Aarya Mageswaran had always wanted to play football at a high level. A chance to take steps in that direction has now come his way. From Sept 4, the 14-year-old will train at La Liga Football Academy in Madrid for five years.
It is a school that delivers the highest standards of Spanish football training and methodology to all youth players from ages four to 21. Boys from all over the world compete for a place in the school, which accepts 36 students every academic year.
Last year, Singaporean Denzel Ari Trimurgan found a place in the academywas selected. Aarya’s father Mageswaran Devadass said he was encouraged by that and decided his son also should try and get into the school.
Aarya, a student of Sengkang Secondary school till mid-August, had been training at the F17 Football Academy, which delivers professional football trainingtrains for different age groups, since he was eight.
He has participated in several national and international-level tournaments.
It was not easy to get into La Liga Football Academy. Aarya spent three months sending applications and attending interviews online. He also had to submit videos of his play.
The boy finally received an acceptance letter from La Liga Academy in the first week of January this year.
Since then, Aarya has been attending Spanish lessons three times a week.
The course at La Liga Academy has an academic side to it, and classes are held in Spanish. According to Mr Mageswaran, the fees are hefty.
“The annual fees range from $75,000 to $80,000,” the 45-year-old insurance industry professional and owner of several businesses told tabla!.
Aarya will receive a diploma at the end of his five years in Madrid.
The striker and right-winger, who is looking forward to his stint at the academy, keeps himself in shape by cycling.
He considers Egyptian player Mohamed Salah and Portuguese great Christiano Ronaldo as his idols, and wants to emulate them.
He watches clips of them in action to hone his technique.
“In between my studies, during a break, I practise juggling football with my legs,” he said.
Mr Mageswaran, a bodybuilder, is happy his son has made it to the prestigious Spanish football academy, but will miss him for the five years he will bewhen he is away.
“It has not been easy for me and my wife (who is his partner in the businesses) to send him to Spain,” he said. “But we reminded ourselves of what is ahead.
“We are helping Aarya move closer to his dream, and this will be what is best for his future.”
Arya thanked his father for supporting him in his aim to become a professional footballer. “I will go to the academy with an open mind to learn,” he said. “I will listen to my coaches as they are vastly experienced.
“I will put all my trust in them.”
