Gianni is a 9 yr old from North Vancouver who plays with Lynn Valley. One article dated from January states he was trying out with the U10's, the article from a few days ago states he will sign with the U12's. http://www.canada.com/theprovince/news/story.html?id=b2850249-31ff-40c6-a316-1ffcd36a4dab&k=80262 "A local soccer prodigy is taking his scoring skills to one of the historic hotbeds of international football. Young Gianni Patino of North Vancouver has been selected for the elite Barca under-12 soccer team, part of the phenomenally successful Barcelona soccer stronghold. "There are kids from all around the world trying to get in," said the nine-year-old's proud papa, Juan Carlos Patino, a former semi-pro footballer who has practised four hours a day with Gianni since he got his start at four years of age." Gianni's tryout in Barcelona last week was a gamble that paid off. The soccer is at another level over in Europe," said Patino, a former player with Wolfsburg in Germany. "But he took a ball, went through two defenders, took out the goalie, and scored. "The coach came over and said, 'We'll see you in September.'" Gianni put on an impromptu soccer clinic yesterday, effortlessly keeping the ball aloft for minutes at a time with knees, feet, head, and heels. Mom Hannah Enkerlin said tireless practice has led the striker/centre midfielder to a point where he makes it look absurdly easy to keep a ball off the ground for 300 touches with his knees or 200 touches with his feet. "He has worked like crazy since he was in kindergarten -- sometimes he comes home at 10 p.m. after practice." (looks like sponsors stepped up to help them) The family would like to thank their many sponsors, especially the Yamaoka family and Mayfair Hotels & Resorts. Anyone wishing more information should phone 604-983-3736 or log on to gsoccer.ca. The old article: http://www.gsoccer.ca/images/Little boy, big talent - North Shore Outlook-Jan17-2008.pdf "Juan Carlos wants Gianni to be a pro and to someday take Canada to the World Cup' Here's his homepage: http://www.gsoccer.ca Photo Gallery: http://www.gsoccer.ca/image_gallery.htm If you want to help by donating: http://www.gsoccer.ca/donate_now.htm or Donate Now: CIBC 1601 Lonsdale Ave, North Vancouver, BC V7M2J5 Branch Transit Number is 01800 Account Number is 87-62430
Perhaps, he's father is Mexican though, and looking at his mother's name it is quite possible she's German, which would make sense since his father played for Wolfsburg. But he's said he wants to lead Canada to the World Cup, then again he's nine, when I was nine I wanted to be Luke Skywalker. In fact I still want to be a Jedi and I'm 27.
He's nine. Wait till he gets through his teen years, gets dumped by his girlfriend, actually moves away from home, doesn't become an alcoholic or lose the drive and then cap him for hte next game.
Creepy self-serving parents if you ask me. The "kid" is nine years old for cripes sake! A mere child!
He's 10 now Those self-serving parents turned down an interview from Canucks-Abroad because they thought Gianni had already received too much exposure from this signing.
The thing is, this is the new face of professional football, if you are not with the youth system of a professional team at a young age, then you are at an extreme disadvantage. I feel they must have seen an opportunity and went for. Obviously it has paid off so far.
As far as the club is concerned, they have everything to gain. Clubs like this sign any and all talented young kids. Manchester United signed a kid based off a youtube video. Basically they pay little to nothing, sign like 200 kids, if one of them pays off, the investment was worth it.
Yeah, my point was from the kid's/parent's perspective, but your 100% right concerning how these clubs see it.