Wan Kuzain Wan Kamal, who became an overnight sensation after a video of him playing football went viral a few years ago, is also among the first from the club’s academy to make it to the first team.
According to www.goal.com, a sports portal, Wan Kuzain , along with Aedan Standey, was picked from the St Louis Scott Gallagher Academy and signed a professional contract.
St Louis FC general manager Jeremy Alumbaug, when asked about the clubs move to give professional contracts, described the signing of the two players as “an important step” for the club.
“Having them in this environment allows them to grow and mature while still competing at the Development Academy level,” he was quoted as saying.
Kuzain’s coach at the academy, Kevin Stoll, meanwhile praised the former for being a very skilful player, with a “variety of skills and techniques under his sleeve”.
“He’s a great kid, works hard, and this is something he’s worked toward for a very long time and he’s certainly deserving of it.”
Kuzain said he was prepared to compete in the next level.
“I think I can compete with some pros and hopefully that will take me further than the academy.”
Kuzain has been playing with the academy since he was a kid and has been called for a trial with Dutch club Feyenood two years ago.
He was also named in the US Under-17 national team.