Achievement+ Perspective+ Perseverance

WEST SIDE ALLIANCE

SOCCER CLUB

WSA PLAYER SELECTED TO PLAY IN EUROPE

WSA PLAYER SELECTED TO PLAY IN EUROPE

TANNER JOHNSON SELECTED FOR A EUROPEAN TOUR THIS SUMMER
United World Games, American International Sports Team U19 Boys

Tanner Johnson has played for WSA since he was 8 years old.  He's been a part of one of the strongest boys programs in the club since his youth academy days, playing for the WSA 01 Boys Red team, formerly coached by Coach Alex McLaurin, and currently coached by Coach Joao Gabriel.  The 01 boys have contended for state titles, and currenlty have two teams in the National Premiere League Red River conference (one of teams sits in the top spot). 

Tanner just turned 17 a couple of weeks ago, and is about to take a voyage every young footballer dreams of.  This June he'll play the sport he loves and is passionate enough about to make it part of his college future plans, in lands where the game's passion has shaped political and cultural views.  He'll visit both Germany and Italy, playing and training over an 11-day tour in the land of soccer giants.  

Last summer Tanner was selected by WSA to participate in the Vertical Transition Program's tour of Saltillo, Mexico. Tanner spent a week inside of the Mexican professional club's confines, fully immersed in a professional soccer culture.  The trip wetted the taste buds for the young WSA'er.  

"Tanner was highly thought of by the Saltillo coaching staff.  They like his technique and energy and he was one of the players the staff there spoke a lot about," reported WSA Director of Vertical Transitions, Juan Castillo.  

Tanner marks another of several WSA players who have been selected to train and play overseas recently.  WSA's Vertical Transition Program led by Director Coach Castillo, targets opportunity and placement for ambituos players.  WSA has sent players to the AC Milan Academy, Rangers FC Academy, Saltillo FC Professional Academy, among others.  In fact more than a dozen WSA players have had this opportunity in the past two years.  This summer 3 European clubs from the Italian Serie A, Spanish La Liga, and English Premiere League, will send scouts to WSA training grounds for more opportunities for players to be trained, identified, and selected.  

Tanner recently returned from a college visit of one of his top schools on his list.  The opportunity to continue to play soccer, pursue a first class education, and follow his dreams he knows is in sight.  This opportunity provides another stepping stone, and most importantly a once in a lifetime opportunity for any young ambitious footballer. 

"I'm most looking forward to seeing the differences between European Soccer and American Soccer. And getting to play teams from all over the world," states Tanner.  All the best Tanner!  From THE SIDE! 

GET TO KNOW TANNER.... 

When did you begin playing soccer?
When I was 4 years old.

Who is your favorite club team? Tottenham Hotspurs

Favorite player? Christian Eriksen

What position do you play?   Center Mid (also happens to be the position Tanner "prefers" to play) 

What is your favorite part about playing soccer? The friendships I've made with people from all over the country.

What is your favorite memory from your soccer career?  Traveling to Mexico last summer and training and playing with the Saltillo FC professional team.

Do you have a long term goal through playing soccer?  Get a scholarship and play in college

Name a person (or two) who have been inspiring or motivating during your soccer career?  My parents and all of my coaches.

What are you most looking forward to on your trip this summer?  Seeing the differences between European Soccer and American Soccer. And getting to play teams from all over the world.

WATCH KTULV's CHANNEL 8 SPORTS NEWSCAST ON TANNER'S TRIP


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