Valin Bodie is an 18-year-old Bahamian who is making great strides in soccer. Just in his freshman year at Essex County College in New Jersey, Bodie is a top name on campus because of his goal keeping excellence.
A prestigious invitation is proof also, that others, outside of the Garden State Athletic Conference, are aware of his unique talent. After observing Bodie closely during a recent Team Development program in New York, those who operate the Italian American Soccer League (IASL), based in Flushing, New York, are very interested in the young Bahamian. Case in point is a letter sent to Bodie that was jointly signed by IASL General Manager Charlie Candela and Head Coach Giuseppe Balsamo.
The letter to Bodie read: "We are pleased to inform you that after careful consideration we decided to offer you the possibility to be part of the select team that will participate in the professional youth tournament that will be held in Viareggio (Tuscany), Italy, January 30-February 16.
"Being part of this select team is a unique soccer opportunity as well as a social and cultural experience. For this important event we have put together a program to assure the best preparation for the tournament and to provide a professional approach to make sure that our players will obtain the optimal conditioning to express the best part of their skills.
"You will have the opportunity to compete with other high level players from the best soccer teams from all the five continents, such as Juventus, AC Milan, FC Inter Milan, Roma, Barcelona, Apia Disney Australia, Anderlecht, PSV Eindhoven, Newcastle and Danubio (Uruguay). We are sure that you will become an asset to our team."
It is an amazing scenario for exposure presented to Bodie. His ability afield is so valued that very early in his career he will be in a position to rub shoulders with players who are making contributions to some of the best teams in the world. Bodie, of course, is grateful for the opportunity.
"Being chosen out of all the players that were in attendance, I feel as though all my hard work is paying off and now the real work begins. All my hard training sessions, even the ones in the snow, from fitness to technical goalkeeper training, all of it contributed to this point. It was not easy at all and it will get harder from here on but I'm ready.
"Training in the cold and snow is a big challenge because I am used to the heat and sun but I am determined to be the best no mater the climate. I look to take my game to a professional level or at least a professional development level. Presently, my college league is over so I have been doing training on my own," informed Bodie.
Mia Campbell, Bodie's mother, Estelle Campbell, his grand mother, and other family members are all very proud of his accomplishments thus far.
"I am very excited. He's doing very well and this is a big step for him," said the grandmother.
"Valin is the only Caribbean player who will be in the tournament, Cup Viareggio Carnavale 2014. He is on the New York Stars and will be the goalkeeper as they play in Group 7. Valin will leave for Italy on January 29 and the tournament will begin on February 3. We are very happy for him and wish the best," said mom Mia.
Indeed, Bodie has attained a special milestone. The exposure from such a top-flight soccer environment should serve to sharpen his skills for the new league season with Essex County and any national team representation.
o To respond to this sports feature, kindly contact Fred Sturrup at sturrup1504@gmail.com.
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