Three Durban boys will be travelling to the United States of America this month after being awarded scholarships to pursue their soccer and academic careers.
The boys were selected through the Bridge Programme, an initiative by another Durban boy, Gabe Van Wyk, who is a brainchild behind the programme. Joshua Reddy, 20, from Overport, Kyle Thyssen, 19, and Kieron Jacks, 20, from the Bluff will be playing soccer this fall at their respective colleges. Van Wyk said Joshua and Kyle will be attending Paris Junior College in Texas whilst Kieron will be attending Lowa Lakes College in Lowa. “After having an opportunity to work with the boys when I was back in South Africa during lockdown, I was really impressed by the skills they showcased. I could not turn down the opportunity to take them with me so that they get the same opportunity I got to expand in their soccer careers,” said Van Wyk. He said the three are amazing young athletes looking to achieve their dreams. The 20-year-old Overport resident, Reddy, said he started playing soccer at a tender age of five years old and has always dreamt of pursuing a career abroad.
He said he has always looked up to Carles Puyol, the ex-Barcelona and Spanish centre back. He said this is a dream come true for him and he is looking forward to the future. “I’m thankful for the opportunity to travel to the USA and I’m going to make the most of it and put in the hard work while I’m there,” said Joshua. He said his parents are also excited as they are his biggest supporters, wanting the best for him. Reddy matriculated in 2019 and has since been studying teaching and playing soccer for the Sharks Academy. He says going to the USA won’t be much of a change in terms of his routine. “I will continue balancing my studies and training and hopefully will achieve the best results in both,” he added. Van Wyk said preparations for the boys’ travel are at final stages and he can’t wait to host them abroad.
