The Oakes Training Center –  Left winger Emanuel ‘Manny’ Mendez of our 2001 team will fullfil a dream this summer when he heads off to England for his next soccer experience. The senior from Birmingham, Alabama will join up with RIASA in Leeds, Yorkshire as a part of their Academy U19 team while studying sports management. The opportunity will allow Manny to continue his dream toward becoming a professional player as well as continuing his further education.

Manny was scouted and received a scholarship offer from RIASA and is excited to be setting out on his new adventure even though there is the small issue of healing from a broken collar-bone suffered at the US Club Soccer regional tournament recently. Despite the set-back Manny was upbeat insisting he would be free and clear by the time he flies off, saying, “It was broken almost clean through but it didn’t require surgery and will heal soon enough.’ The doctors have told him it would take three to four weeks to heal.

Everyone at Southern States Soccer and ‘The Academy’ wish Manny the very best of luck on his new journey.

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