All,
This is a truly inspirational story and hope to see more VT soccer stars make it at the next Level
Here is the Link
Using my phone to post this, feel free to edit.
Pereira, a Virginia Tech sophomore midfielder who graduated from Northside High School, announced Wednesday on Twitter that he is turning pro and entering the Major League Soccer SuperDraft. He has signed a Generation Adidas contract with MLS, making him eligible for next month's draft.
"I still can't believe it right now, that I'll be up there with the pros, hopefully. It doesn't seem real," Pereira said Wednesday in a phone interview. "Not many players get the Generation Adidas contract. It's just an unbelievable opportunity.
[Mod edit: added relevant excerpt]
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Some of the players signed to GA contracts may also receive an education stipend that may be used in the future toward the completion of their college education.
These Generation adidas players are typically signed every offseason and made available for selection by clubs at the annual SuperDraft.
In order to provide Generation adidas players with the best professional environment, Generation adidas player salaries are not charged against an MLS team's annual salary budget, providing an added incentive for that club to develop the player.
Eventually, these GA players graduate to senior player contracts and their salaries are charged against a team's budget.
Prior to 2005, the program was known as Project-40. Every No. 1 pick in the SuperDraft since 2003 has been a Generation adidas product.
Over the years, many of the league's top players have come through the Generation adidas program, including: DaMarcus Beasley, Kyle Beckerman, Clint Dempsey, Jozy Altidore, Maurice Edu, Darlington Nagbe, Cyle Larin, Cristian Roldan, Miles Robinson and Jack Harrison.
Paging Atlanta United. Would love to get another Hokie on the roster!
Maybe Whit's plan to develop Olympic sports is starting to pan out. Might need to return the spotlight to American Football. Glad for this kid to get his shot, hopefully we get a few more like him down the line.