Young soccer prodigy Keenan Cartwright is going back to Italy to learn more about the beautiful game and would like members of the community to help him make his way to the soccer-mad country.
Cartwright was one of four local youngsters who was invited to attend the Genova International School of Soccer last fall and was asked to return again this spring. Cartwright said the experience he had learning from the experienced coaches at the school was second to none.
"It helped me out a lot," he said. "We got taught so many different skills and the lessons were so fast paced. All the coaches over there have played professionally and everything is much more structured. They're building a strong program and I'm excited to get the invite to go again."
Cartwright and Connor Richards were the only two local players to receive invites for this session, which begins on April 16. He said that Richards is equally excited to take part.
"He's feeling pretty much the same as me," he said, noting that Richards is a defender while Cartwright is a forward. "We're both really excited and think it's a very cool opportunity."
Cartwright has been playing soccer since the age of three and currently plays on the 麻豆社国产U15 rep soccer team. He has also been heavily involved with the 麻豆社国产Youth Soccer Association, refereeing for four years and helping coaches with their teams both on and off the field.
However, the trip to Italy doesn't come cheap. The two-week excursion costs around $6,000 and Cartwright has been saving his money from his part-time job at Tim Hortons, as well as bottle drives to help fund the trip.
In that spirit, those looking to help him out are invited to a spa party on Saturday (April 9) at 4:30 p.m. Reiki sessions, tarot readings, palmistry and reflexology treatments will all be available, with proceeds going toward the trip. All treatments will be offered at $15 for a 20-minute service. Everything will be taking place at 42060 Birken Rd. There will also be a silent auction on Friday (April 8) starting at 2 p.m., with various items donated by local businesses. The auction will run until Saturday at 7 p.m. For more information or to book an appointment, call Gwen at (604) 815-8640.
According to Cartwright, the school is just one step on the path to the goal of becoming a professional soccer player.
"I'm very determined to one day be a professional soccer player," he said. "I am willing to set the necessary priorities to achieve the goals that are most important to me. At the very least, I would like to come out of this with a scholarship to university."
