A Journey of Growth

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Sam Cardoza reflects on his development at Marcet and his path to collegiate soccer in the United States.

Sam Cardoza’s passion for soccer began at age five when his mother enrolled him in a local league in New Jersey. “Right from the start, I enjoyed it a lot, and it was clear I had some talent,” says Sam, who gradually climbed the competitive ladder. At age 10, he joined a more competitive league, where a friend told him about the Marcet Academy in Barcelona. Without a second thought, Sam decided to participate in a summer course at the academy, marking the start of a crucial chapter in his development as a soccer player.

Cardoza moved to Barcelona at 13 to train at the Marcet academy.

The experience at Marcet was challenging on and off the field. “It was a big cultural change. Attending a Spanish school and adapting to the level of play, which was much higher than in the United States, helped me mature both as a player and a person,” Sam reflects. During his four years at the academy, he participated in international tournaments in France, Italy, and Portugal, allowing him to test his skills against top-level teams. “Every year at Marcet was incredible; I’m grateful for the opportunity to play as a foreigner and grow in such a competitive environment.”

Transitioning to collegiate soccer in the United States came naturally after his time at Marcet. Sam joined a Division 1 Junior College team, and over time, he played at different universities where he continued to stand out. “Here in the United States, college soccer is very diverse; there are players from all over the world. I was often the only American in my teams,” he says. At the time of the interview, Sam is in his third and final year at Assumption University in Worcester, Massachusetts, and feels ready to face a new season and complete his master’s degree.

Sam plays at the highest university level in the United States while dreaming of becoming a professional.

The lessons learned at Marcet have been crucial to his playing style. “The shift in mentality was the most important. In the United States, I played with a very physical approach, but in Spain, I learned to play more simply, with one or two touches, and to be more creative when needed,” Sam explains. This adaptation has improved his performance on the field and helped him stand out in the competitive world of college soccer.

Sam has a clear goal: becoming a professional soccer player. “It has always been my dream, and I’m doing everything I can to make it happen,” he says with conviction. However, he also understands the importance of preparing for the future beyond sports. “I’m studying to have an education that will allow me to do other things after soccer,” he notes. With a mindset focused on growth and gratitude towards Marcet for providing him with the necessary tools, Sam is ready to keep moving forward in his career.

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