His journey began along the sidewalks of New York City, and now Xavi Egurbide is showcasing his talent on the biggest stage in America.

NCE Soccer graduate Xavi Egurbide has been signed to New York Red Bulls Academy, and takes another major step towards his dream of becoming a pro US soccer player.

Xavi, a talented, composed, ball playing defender, has no doubt that NCE Soccer’s COE Program has fast-tracked his progress.

Surrounded by elite players and being guided by the highest quality coaching, he joins the Red Bulls Under 14s full of confidence.

Opportunity

“It’s been amazing opportunity to join the Red Bull’s. I’m determined to give it everything I’ve got,” Xavier, explained.

“I’m not going to get carried away, I know I have to continue working hard. There is a long way to go in my dream of becoming a professional, this is another step towards that goal.

“Every day at Red Bulls you have to focus and give everything you’ve got. Hopefully there is still an opportunity to continue to be a part of the NCE Soccer family.

“I hope to still be available to represent NCE in the summer as there’s an international tour to England.”

Xavi’s proud father, Xavier Egurbide Senior, is proud as punch of his son and is backing him to succeed.

Focus

He has watched his son blossom as a soccer player. From a young age his focus and extra dedication has always impressed.

“He’s become an accomplished performer for FC Westchester and I am proud to watch him take his game to the next level with the Red Bulls in the MLS Next league.

“NCE has always been a program we’ve looked forward to participating in. And now the move to Red Bull’s Academy takes him one step closer to his dream – their commitment to developing aspiring young players with unrivalled on and off field support is unlike any other.

“It has been difficult under Covid restrictions, but I like that programs like NCE have continued to provide high end safe environments for players to train. If he doesn’t get out of the house to play he drives us nuts playing inside!”

Driven

“Xavi is a driven, focused kid who loves soccer about all else. You will often find him training on his own even when he has practice later the day. There is never enough soccer!

“He is the player who joins a team, acclimates to new surroundings and then excels and moves forward to the top of the player field and we are hope that continues.”

Xavi’s soccer journey began with a ball at his feet on the sidewalks of New York City before joining Chelsea Piers and then Weston Town, following the family move to Connecticut.

He moved to Everton FCW and then on to the Player Development Program where he met NCE Soccer founder John Curtis.

Xavier senior added: “He literally would dribble the ball along the sidewalk as we walked with the family to the parks.

“He had a natural talent but more importantly, he worked extremely hard and his drive never failed him. Meeting coaches like John Curtis early in his development has accelerated that development.”

Technique

“The program has advanced his technique and exposed him to quicker decision making and movement.

“It has increased his overall confidence, which in turn has allowed him to progress faster through the academy system.”

Xavi the player has no doubts that his progress has been fast racked thanks to the coaching and elite standards set by the NCE Soccer Center of Excellence Program.

The Weston Middle School student was attending the COE Program at Ophir Field and traveled to Italy with the NCE Soccer Select Squad.

Only the Covid lockdown halted his progress, along with everyone else, as the Spring program was forced to be suspended along with last years international tours.

Xavi added: “The Covid lockdown was tough. I missed my teammates and wanted to get back on the field asap.

COE Program

“At least we were able to do that in the Fall though not being able to then get together off the pitch was tough.

“The COE Program has been hugely beneficial for me.  NCE has always attracted the best players and allowed the best coaches to elevate the training level.

“The additional time and focus has pushed me to excel at a faster pace than others.

“I have no doubt it has helped my selection, I am more confident and at ease with the speed of higher level player.”

Xavi was selected for the Red Bulls Academy after being selected for the Red Bulls Winter Showcase team. He was one of eight boys seclude to train and play and his performances led to a two week trial.

Great Asset

NCE Soccer Technical Director John Curtis, said: “We’re delighted to see Xavi progressing so well. He’s been a consistently strong performer in all the NCE programming he’s been selected for, always giving maximum effort and commitment.

“His performances in our international events have been particularly impressive and he managed to raise his game against professional academies in both Italy and England. I’m sure he’ll be a great asset for New York Red Bull’s and NCE are ready to help as his soccer career progresses.

Red Bulls Academy Director Sean McCafferty, said: “We are extremely pleased to welcome Xavier to New York Red Bulls Academy.

“We were impressed with Xavier’s composure and efficiency in possession and we were also very pleased with his focus and work ethic in training as we know that is key to ensuring we accelerate his development in our intense and challenging environment.”

And Xavi’s footballing journey is not the only one to follow in the Egurbide household. His two sisters Kayla and Amelia are also part of the NCE Soccer COE Program so watch this space!

* To follow in Xavi’s footsteps join the COE Program by registering your interest via this link.

* For media, interview requests or to discuss marketing opportunities please contact James Fletcher at Onside PR via this link.