The realm of professional soccer widened for two Stockton teenagers, Giovanni Medina and Angelo Vieyra, who recently embarked on a journey to Germany for an immersive two-week youth trial at the Moki Fussballakademie.
Hosted by Yousef Mokhtari, a former Moroccan National soccer player, this unique experience exposed the young athletes to a new culture, challenging competition, and the thrilling prospect of playing soccer overseas.
The surprise news of the opportunity left Vieyra stunned. “It felt good to get this chance to go overseas because no one has got a shot like this from Stockton,” he said.
The catalyst for this transformative journey was Chris Hernandez, Stockton native and founder of the semi-professional soccer club Stockton FC. Hernandez, who also coaches Medina and Vieyra at Franklin High School, has been integral in broadening the horizons for Stockton soccer players.
Both Medina and Vieyra were pivotal to the Yellowjackets' impressive 13-7-1 overall record and third-place finish in the San Joaquin Athletic Association last season. Inspired by their performance, Hernandez extended the exciting opportunity to the two young players. "I thought it would be great for these boys specifically as two players at the top of the ladder in the Stockton area," Hernandez said.
In taking up this offer, Medina and Vieyra became the first Americans to participate in the youth trial since its inception in 2016. Hernandez emphasized that their participation in the camp aimed to inspire other young aspirants to take soccer seriously and explore opportunities in places like Europe.
While in Germany, the duo honed their skills amid some of the world's best young talent from the Frankfurt area. The intensity and directness of the European playstyle offered a stark contrast to what they had been accustomed to in Stockton.
“The intensity they play with out there is higher and they play very direct,” Medina observed. With time and dedication, the boys adapted and thrived under the challenging conditions. Vieyra shared, “But as the two weeks went on it got better. I got more comfortable with using different skills with my right foot.”
To ensure these cross-country trips occur, Hernandez, who has built strong soccer networks in Europe over the past decade, typically funds them himself. However, this time, both boys' parents, Jose Medina and Angelica Vieyra, pitched in, turning the youth trial into a family endeavor.
Jose Medina considered the experience to be worth every penny. “I mean if you have a chance you gotta take it,” he expressed.
Angelica Vieyra echoed the sentiment, stating, "I’m really grateful for Chris and him offering us this opportunity and opening this door to experience a different level of soccer.”
The youth trial in Germany not only served as a stepping stone in the boys' soccer careers but also a golden opportunity for the entire families to experience new cultures, languages, and foods.
These Stockton teens have indeed set the ball rolling for many others aspiring to make their mark in the world of soccer.
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