Manville, NJ (August 6, 2010) - It’s not every day that an American player has the opportunity to pursue their soccer dreams in the world’s most popular soccer leagues.  The Jersey United Spartans are proud to announce that 3 players have been selected to go on trial to pursue their soccer dreams at 3 different European Clubs! 

Dylan Castanheira, a towering 6’1" goalkeeper and member of the Jersey United Spartans 94-95 Blue (formerly Jersey United Bulldogs) will be on trial at Stoke City of the English Premier League.  Castanheira, who turned 15 in May was discovered while attending Glan Letheren’s Top Catch Training Camp last summer.

Letheren a former professional player and Welsh international played for Leeds United in the now named Champions League Final against Bayern Munich. During his time at Leeds Glan was loaned out to Chelsea and Nott`s County Football clubs, and later signed for Chesterfield and Swansea city Football Clubs.  Glan, a UEFA Pro Licensed Coach, now runs his highly successful Topcatch Training Camps in both England and the United States scouting talent for teams throughout England.

"I first saw Dylan last year and noticed his size immediately.  He needed some technical work and improved greatly over the past year. When we returned in the summer of 2010, I felt that Dylan was prepared for the opportunity to go to England," said Letheren.
Martin Brown, Head Coach of the Jersey United Spartans 94-95 Blue,  has coached Castanheira since the age of 9 and has seen him grow and improve over the past 6 years. 

"I have coached Dylan as his team and individual coach since he was 9 years old.  He is a player with huge amounts of dedication, a great work ethic, and a love and passion for the sport. All of these characteristics and years of hard work have accumulated in this once in a lifetime opportunity to tryout at a Premier League Club. Jersey United is very proud of all of our players and their on and off the field achievements.   Dylan’s success is a testament to the combination of his hard work, time, and energy as well as his parents’ time and investment. We are delighted to be able to provide our players with this type of opportunity and to help players achieve their personal and soccer goals," said Brown

Castanheira, a high school sophomore, will be leaving in August for a 2 week trial at Stoke City.  "I am truly grateful to be given the opportunity to travel to England and experience a once in a lifetime chance to play with the Stoke City Club. First, I would like to thank Jersey United, my teammates and trainers who have supported and grown with me. A special thank you to my coach, Martin Brown, without his support and coaching I may not have had this opportunity today. My parents have provided me with strong guidance, with their love and support I look forward to representing Jersey United in England," said Dylan.

Vincenzo Marna, a Sophomore at Montgomery High School, will be going on trial at Swansea City of the League Championship.  Marna, a tricky Ronaldo-esque type of player, has an unquestionable passion for the game. 
Marna was also discovered last year by Glan Letheren while attending the Top Catch Training Camp.  "I first worked with Vinny in 2009 and have seen him gain strength and skill over the past year that are crucial to surviving in the English Leagues.  Although he is a smaller player, he has the technical ability and drive to be successful," said Letheren.

Marna has been involved with Jersey United for the past 3 years and has excelled as a goal scorer and playmaker.  "I’m excited for the opportunity to prove myself at Swansea and I look forward to the challenge," said Marna.

"Vinny has been a member of the Jersey United Spartans 94-94 Blue (formerly Jersey United Bulldogs) for almost three years, during which time he has excelled and brought  a unique flair to the team.  He’s a player that creates and scores goals. More importantly, Vinny’s work rate and attitude is unsurpassed.  He works for hours off the practice field to improve himself and his team.  He is a fantastic soccer player and a great kid who has worked tirelessly to earn this opportunity and reach his dream of professional soccer in Europe.   Jersey United is very proud of his achievements and the fact that Vinny has this opportunity through our club," said Brown.

Jake Schreer, a long time member of Jersey United Soccer Club who graduated last year to the ranks of the US Development Academy, had an opportunity to train with Letheren this summer and will be headed to Swindon Town of Football League One.  Schreer is a Junior at the Morristown Beard School where he is the starting goalkeeper and captain.

"This trip will be a tough challenge for Jake and I’m sure he will make the most of this opportunity," said Letheren.

Brown said, "We wish all 3 players the best of luck.  They have the support of the club while they represent us in England.  Regardless of the results of the trial we are very proud of this great achievement by our players!" 

About Jersey United Spartans Soccer Club
Jersey United Spartans Soccer Club was formed in 2004 under the name of Jersey United Soccer Club.  The club recently merged with the PSG Spartans to form one of the most comprehensive soccer clubs in the Mid Atlantic Region.  Jersey United Spartans Soccer Club is a full service nonprofit youth soccer organization based in Morristown and Hillsborough New Jersey.  The Spartans provide training and playing opportunities for players of all ages from U8 to the collegiate level and beyond including the Super Y League and PDL. The club also provides learning tools such as seminars and online programs to assist players with college recruiting, fitness, nutrition, and mental skills testing.   

About Glan Letheren and Top Catch
Glan Letheren is a former International goalkeeper and as represented Wales at all levels. Glan made is debut at the age of 18 for Leeds United in the UEFA cup. The final score was 0-0 after extra time with Glan claiming is first clean sheet. Glan was also included in the Leeds United squad in the now named Champions League Final against Bayern Munich. During is time at Leeds Glan was loaned out to Chelsea and Nott`s County Football clubs, and later signed for Chesterfield and Swansea city Football Clubs.
Glan retired at the age of 38 and diversed into coaching. Glan is one of the most highly respected and qualified coaches in world football holding the prestigious UEFA Pro-Licence and Goalkeeping A-Licence. Glan’s  accomplishments have allowed him to coach all over the world including U.S.A, Australia, St Kitts and Nevis, and St Vincent.