Youth Summer IFX Player Nicholas LaMadrid commits to Illinois College
At IFX Nürnberg, we pride ourselves for having nurtured young talents for over 20 years, guiding them toward their soccer dreams while shaping them into well-rounded individuals. Today, we delve into the remarkable journey of one of our Youth Summer IFX players, Nicholas LaMadrid, also known as Nico, who has officially committed to Illinois College where he will be taking the next steps in his soccer career.
“During my time with IFX, I learned the importance of doing the little things right.”
IFX Nürnberg: Hello Nico, thanks for your time. Please introduce yourself.
Nicholas L: I am Nicholas LaMadrid, I'm 18 years old. On the field I play as a Winger. I am a senior at Lakeside High School (Atlanta), where I have played on the varsity team since my freshman year. I play for the Concorde Fire ECNL Platinum U18/19 team. I am committed to playing soccer at Illinois College and furthering my academic and athletic career.
IFX Nürnberg: You first came in the summer of 2022 for our youth summer program in Nürnberg, Germany. How was your experience during those two weeks? What were your thoughts on the overall set up and how would you define the German soccer style from your experience?
Nicholas L.: I really enjoyed my two weeks in Germany. I expected a high level of intensity and speed of play, and I got just that from playing with players from SG Quelle Furth and others at the camp. The camp was well organized and made us players feel at home. The German style of play emphasizes team cohesion and communication, which was a valuable lesson for me.
“I'm excited to play at Illinois College next year. My goal is to defend the conference title and win it again.”
IFX Nürnberg: How has your transition been since leaving our youth summer camp in Nürnberg back in 2022 and signing with Illinois College? Can you share with us how you've prepared for this next chapter?
Nicholas L.: I left the camp with a taste of what it takes to play at the next level. It prepared me for what to expect. Since arriving back home, I've trained a lot with my team and, most importantly, my trainer. I worked a lot with him outside of practice to continue to improve. I believe this extra practice is what is going to prepare me for this next chapter.
IFX Nürnberg: Anticipating your journey at Illinois College, what are your expectations as you embark on this new phase of your soccer career?
Nicholas L.: I am very excited to play at Illinois College. This past year, they won their conference, and I am looking to help them defend their conference championship.
IFX Nürnberg: Reflecting on your time since leaving the IFX camp, how do you feel you've progressed in terms of your technique, tactical understanding, and overall adaptation to the demands of pursuing a collegiate soccer career in the US?
Nicholas L.: After my time at IFX, I put a great emphasis on mastering my technique. During my time with IFX, I learned the importance of doing the little things right. This knowledge has helped me greatly improve my game and be able to play in college.
“My experiences abroad have helped me tremendously as a player. They have taught me new techniques and playing styles and exposed me to different soccer cultures.”
IFX Nürnberg: We've heard about your experience in Argentina. Could you share a bit about that?
Nicholas L.: I was invited, along with a couple of other players from my club, to spend a week in La Plata, Argentina, and train with Estudiantes de La Plata. It was great to experience another culture and learn a different style of soccer. I enjoyed my time playing with Estudiantes and learning what it takes to become a professional.
IFX Nürnberg: How do you think your international experiences will shape your development, both as a player and as an individual, as you transition to collegiate soccer?
Nicholas L.: My experiences abroad have helped me tremendously as a player. They have taught me new techniques and playing styles and exposed me to different soccer cultures. As a person, it taught me never to take anything for granted. There are other people with fewer opportunities and difficulties trying to become professionals just like me. It has taught me to take full advantage of every opportunity. I believe this experience has helped me reach where I am today.
IFX Nürnberg: Finally, what reactions did you receive from friends and family upon sharing the news about signing with Illinois College?
Nicholas L.: My family was really happy for me, and I thank them greatly for their support and sacrifice. Without them I don't believe any of this would be possible. My friends and teammates were just as happy for me because they knew how much this meant to me.
As Nicholas LaMadrid embarks on his collegiate soccer journey at Illinois College, we at IFX Nürnberg couldn't be prouder of his achievement. His dedication, talent, and relentless pursuit of excellence serve as an inspiration to aspiring young athletes everywhere. We wish Nico all the best as he continues to chase his soccer dreams.
Our Youth Summer program in Germany is a unique opportunity for players between ages of 13-17 to experience a full German soccer experience to showcase their abilities in front of local coaches. From IFX soccer we will continue to offer young talents the opportunity to grow and improve their level and to lead them to new soccer opportunities.
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