Oduro Uncovers Global Talent for Bonnies Soccer – The Bona Venture

[ad_1]

Photo: Frankie Debari

BY: KYLE MAIER, SPORTS EDITOR

With players hailing from Jamaica, Venezuela, Ghana and Denmark, St. Bonaventure University’s men’s soccer head coach Kwame Oduro has built an international roster with diverse skill sets.

Oduro described the scouting approach his staff takes to locate premier talent globally.

“There are showcases all over the world that you can go to and watch these kids,” said Oduro. “We went to Norway [for a showcase] and while we were there, there were Danish kids playing that we scouted who are now on the team. Our player from Dubai, his whole team came to the U.S. for a showcase and that’s how we found Booth.”

Showcases are globally held youth soccer tournaments that college coaches and scouts attend to find players of interest.

Harry Booth, a freshman forward, attended the GEMS Wellington Academy in the Silicon Oasis of Dubai, United Arab Emirates before being recruited to play for the Bonnies.

Booth detailed how Bonaventure initially contacted him expressing interest.

“I attended two showcases in which I saw multiple coaches all from different divisions,” said Booth. “I got recruited through a showcase I attended at DeSales University with my team from Dubai. Then from there I got in contact with coach Suprise and came for a visit last September to watch a game.”

Alex Suprise serves as an assistant coach for Bonaventure.

Oduro spoke on how building a network of contacts within the industry helps him locate potential Bonnies athletes.

“I’ve been coaching for 15-16 years so I do have contacts,” said Oduro. As I speak to you now, I’m probably getting emails asking, ‘Hey Kwame, what do you need for the class of 2025.’” I give them ideas of what I need, they send film over and the process starts.”

Oduro emphasized the advantage of scouting players overseas as a mid-major program.

“Unfortunately, in Division I, the best American soccer players don’t go mid-major,” said Oduro. “They go to the Power 5 schools, the big-name schools. We have to go overseas and try to build our team in that route.”

Graduate midfielder Mo Tall, born in Burkina Faso, explained the value of coming to America to compete on the pitch at a collegiate level.

“Me playing collegiate soccer was inevitable because that is why I decided to come to America,” said Tall. “The opportunity to play soccer at a decent level, coupled with world-class education was always my intention.”

Oduro illustrated what he looks for in a player to fit the program’s culture.

“Maximum effort is a minimum requirement for us. Discipline and durability both mentally and physically. Those are the three values we look for,” says Oduro. “Being at Bonaventure, we don’t have the shiniest objects around. We’re not here to sell you that. You have to work hard, push through adversity and you have got to love the game of soccer.”

Bonaventure’s cosmopolitan club suits up Saturday, Sept. 21 for its first Atlantic 10 game against Fordham University at the Tom 80’ and Michelle Marra Athletics Field Complex. The match kicks off at 6 p.m. and can be streamed on ESPN+.

Sam Sweatman also contributed to gathering information for this article.

maierkj22@bonaventure.edu

[ad_1]

Source link : http://www.bing.com/news/apiclick.aspx?ref=FexRss&aid=&tid=66ed65670e634867b6653a333a47d64e&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thebvnewspaper.com%2F2024%2F09%2F20%2F22097%2F&c=12995340110504150099&mkt=en-us Author : Publish date : 2024-09-20 00:59:00 Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source .

Oduro Uncovers Global Talent for Bonnies Soccer – The Bona Venture

Current Time in Mexico | Mexico Local Time

CELEBRATING TOP TECH LEADERS OF THE YEAR AT 2024 ANNUAL AWARDS GALA BY CANADA INDIA TECH COUNCIL

CELEBRATING TOP TECH LEADERS OF THE YEAR AT 2024 ANNUAL AWARDS GALA BY CANADA INDIA TECH COUNCIL

Discover Colombia’s Exciting New Lacoste Concept Store!

Discovering Central America: Secretary Rubio’s Adventure Across Panama, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Guatemala, and the Dominican Republic

U.S. Steps Up to Aid Cuba After Catastrophic Hurricane Destruction

Dominica Launches Groundbreaking Initiative to Create the World’s First Sperm Whale Reserve!

Transforming Travel: Costa Rica Joins Forces with Global Innovators to Pioneering Eco-Friendly Tourism

Life-Changing Impact: Free Medical Care for Over 1,400 Patients in St. Lucia!

Unlocking Potential: The Case for Prioritizing U.S. Mining

Arizona Soars: A Stellar Rise in ESPN FPI Rankings and AP Poll!

Saint Lucia in the Spotlight: What a Potential Travel Ban Could Mean for Caribbean CBI Nations

Arkansas Soybean Farmers Poised for Gains from China Deal, Yet Experts Warn of Potential Challenges Ahead

Categories

Archives