COULD YOU BE NEXT ?
Take a look at the testimonials of current and former student athletes
Connor Heal
Bristol, England
Connor moved to New Jersey, USA in 2017 aged 18. He competed for Sussex County community college and helped the squad reach the NJCAA national tournament for the first time in the schools history. Connor tallied the most assists in this historic season. Connor opted to take a year off from university but later transferred to Eastern Oregon University who compete in the NAIA DII.
“Moving to the states to play football is on of best decisions I’ve ever made. I’ve been fortunate to play with top players from around the world and develop my game in a professional environment. I’ve also made friends for life and had the opportunity travel across north America” - Connor Heal
Deon Waldmeier
Perth, Australia
Deon moved to New Jersey, USA in 2018 aged 18. He began his college career at Sussex County community college in New Jersey. During his time time as Sussex Waldmeier won back to back region titles. Waldmeir finished his freshman season as the teams leading goal scorer. Waldmeier is currently competing at Slippery Rock University, Pennsylvania who compete in the NCAA DII.
“Moving to America has been a real eye opener for me, about how many truly talented footballers there are out there from all over the world and coming to America has granted me the opportunity to play with some of these amazing talents. Along with the footballing experience, you make friends for life from all over the world, broaden your horizons and develop skills that you wouldn’t learn if you don’t embark on this incredible opportunity” - Deon Waldmeier
Joaquin Bermejillo
Mendoza, Argentina
Joaquin moved to the USA on June 2018, aged 18. He played for Southwest Mississippi Community College and reached the State Finals during his Freshman year. In 2019 Bermejillo transferred to Eastern Oregon University and helped the squad reach the first State final in the programs history as well as going to the 2019 NAIA National Tournament for the first time in the program. Bermejillo enters his junior year as a team captain. Bermejillo aspires to play professionally after his time at EOU.
“Moving to the States was a tough decision because it meant leaving everything behind but it was leaving with the goal of achieving the dream of playing soccer and getting a degree. I am very happy I took this decision of coming to the States, academically has given me a lot of experience for the real world and on soccer I have learnt a lot and played with players from all around the world” - Joaquin Bermejillo
Erick Diaz
Las Vegas, Nevada
Erick signed for Yavapai cc in 2018-2019 then transferred to Chandler-Gilbert cc in 2019-2020. Having the opportunity to further his education and develop his game, Erick signed with Eastern Oregon University. Erick is currently in his junior year and hoping for a break out season!
“Transitioning from High School to College soccer was tough but my hard working ethic helped me a lot. I have been fortunate to play with and against players that are close to going pro. This has helped my soccer development go up in the process.” - Erick Diaz
Enrico Tarquinio
Sydney, Australia
Enrico moved to New Jersey, USA in 2019 at age 18. He attends Sussex County Community College and has had much success throughout his time there. He was a part of the squad that reached the NJCAA national tournament in 2019, for the second time in the school's history. He is hoping to further his success at Sussex by winning the 2021 national tournament. Enrico now plays for Young Harris University.
“Living the United States has helped me to broaden my understanding and knowledge of football. I have also learnt a number of different valuable footballing lessons which have broadened and developed my understanding of the game.” Enrico Tarquinio
Nathan Wright
Liverpool, England
Coming to America was the hardest but most rewarding decision I have ever made. It gave me a chance to experience first-hand what America is all about. It gives one a chance to truly feel a sense of responsibility and gain a level of maturity. Furthermore, a big reason I came is the levels that the schools demand. I have come from a “Full time” background in football so for us to live and train like a full time professional whilst perusing a degree is a dream come true.
I am originally from just outside of Liverpool. I grew up in the academy system playing most of my youth career at Burnley and Oldham and achieving a YTS at Salford City. I loved the English culture of football and everything that surrounds it but I was longing for change. Not just from Football, but from experiencing and understanding the culture that comes with coming out to America.
Since I came to America, I never looked back. It gave me a true identity of who I wanted to be. From the Schooling to the football and to the lifelong friendships that I have made that is why I am forever grateful for 343 for giving me the opportunity to go further in my education and peruse my dream of being a premier league footballer.
Olivia Hudson
Nottingham, England
Olivia moved to New Jersey, USA in 2018 at the age of 18. She played at Sussex County Community College from 2018-2020. Whilst at SCCC, she helped the team reach two NJCAA Region finals and District Tournaments. In her sophomore year, Olivia captained the team and went onto win the NJCAA Region final and go onto play in the District Tournament. After her two years at SCCC, Olivia transferred to East Stroudsburg University in Pennsylvania, USA who compete in the NCAA DII.
“Moving to the states to play football has given me an opportunity to experience things that I would never have been able to if I had not decided to move. I have been able to play with high-level players and develop my game, which I am extremely grateful for. Having this opportunity and making the decision to move out to the states was without a doubt the best decision that I have made” - Olivia Hudson
Tom Parry
Hereford, England
My name is Tom Parry, I’m from Hereford, England. I attended Sussex County Community College for 2 years, and was lucky enough to play with some incredible players during my time. I was named an All-American my freshman year whilst breaking school records for goals scored” After his two seasons in New Jersey Tom had full ride offers to play D1 across the country. After some time off Tom returned to play. “I then transferred to Centenary University (NCAA D3) and played my final year there whilst obtaining my Bachelors degree in Sports Management. I was named the conference player of the year in my final season. Playing college soccer in America has let me meet life long friends from all around the world. It’s helped me get my college degree in a field I love. It’s made me a better footballer and more importantly a better person. I would recommend it to anybody” - Tom Parry
Dillon Van Rensburg
Johannesburg, South Africa
Dillon moved from Johannesburg, South Africa to Coffeyville, Kansas in 2017 where he competed in the KJCCC Coffeyville community college. After two seasons he transferred to Eastern Oregon university, Oregon and was apart of the squad to take the programs to its first national tournament appearance. He will graduate in spring term of 2021 with a Computer Science degree.
“ Traveling to the USA to play soccer has been the best decision I have made. The experience and memories made will last a life time. I have gotten to play with players from all around the world and made connections with them to carry into the future. The professionalism of the colleges has grown me as a player on and off the field. “ - Dillon Van Rensburg
Max Rose
Redcar, England
Max played in England for Hartlepool Academy from U9’s to U15’s, also receiving multiple caps for Durham FA county before playing semi professional. He then moved to Athens, Tennessee in 2018 at aged 18. Max then transferred to Eastern Oregon where he helped the team reach the NAIA National Tournament for the first time in the programs history. He is now a Junior and the captain of Eastern Oregon men’s soccer. Rose has ambitions of going professional in the future
“I was unsure what to expect before moving to the US for University, but when I got here I realised it was the best decision I’ve ever made. I’ve developed so much as a player and a person and am excited for my future in the states” - Max Rose
Ekin Arisoy
Melbourne, Australia
At 19 years of age Ekin moved to Newton, New Jersey, USA. He competed for Sussex County Communty College and describes it as “the best time of my life”. Arisoy later transferred to William Paterson University to pursue a career in Physical Therapy, while simultaneously playing soccer at a competitive standard. WPU compete in the NCAA DIII.
“Moving to the states to play soccer is by far the best decision I’ve ever made. It’s not only improved my soccer skills on the field, but also significantly enhanced my personal character and social skills.” - Ekin Arisoy
Ellie Roberts
Derby, England
Ellie moved to New Jersey, USA in 2017 aged 18. She competed for Sussex County Community College where her team reached regional finals and the district tournament. Ellie later transferred to Centenary University who compete in the CSAC conference in NCAA DIII. Ellie is currently in her senior year and is looking to return for her Master’s Degree.
“Although the thought of moving thousands of miles away can be intimidating, I would not change a thing about my past 4 years here in the US. I am so lucky to have been given the opportunity to be able to play with such amazing players from all different backgrounds, and I am thankful to be able to call my teammates my lifelong friends” - Ellie Roberts
Ulisses Rodrigues
BrasĂlia, Brazil
Uli moved to New Jersey, USA in 2018 aged 20. He competed for Sussex County Community College and helped the team win consecutive titles. Becoming the first Brazilian to do so. After these 2 years, as a result of earning his Associates Degree at Sussex Uli decided to return to Brazil to make another dream come true. To study physiotherapy.
“It was a very difficult decision, despite having good proposals to stay in the USA, I decided to return to Brazil, many people did not understand my decision, but today I am very happy with my mission in physiotherapy which is to make a difference in people's lives.”
Patrick Larsen
Pascagoula, Mississipi
Larsen played for Southwest Mississippi community college for the 2018/19 season. He then competed for DC United U23’s before entering his senior year for Eastern Oregon University. Larsen is currently the leading goalscorer at EOU.
“Soccer has created many opportunities to meet new people and gain new experiences. I have played 4 years at the collegiate level and it has taken me all across the country to places I’d never expect to go. I’ve improved my game massively through several advanced coaching staffs as well as a constant professional environment.” - Patrick Larsen
Kellen Burke
Bountiful, Utah
“Growing up in Utah, it was always a big deal for someone to get an opportunity to play for a university after high school. As a kid I always wanted to play at the university level or higher. During my senior year I signed with the junior college Utah State University Eastern. While at Utah State Eastern, we qualified for our conference tournament and made it to the semifinals both years that I was there. After my two years at a junior college, I did not want to quit the sport that I love and wanted to prove that I could make it at a four-year university. When I got the opportunity to be a part of the program at Eastern Oregon University, I did not hesitate. Being at Eastern Oregon University allows me to continue to play and pursue the next level, along with being alongside great players and academic opportunities” - Kellen Burke