ASHLAND — Gary George was checking his emails one day when one caught his eye.
It was from a coach at Macclesfield F.C. about the club’s International Academy with the University of Lancaster.
“The coach reached out to me and he was originally emailing me about their college program they have over there,” George said. “He was telling me about that, then he told me they have camps you can do two weeks, four weeks, or six weeks, so that is what interested me because the play is just different over there. And it’s nice to be exposed to different things … I can get to see more.
“So he told me if that’s what I wanted to do, then I could.”
And that is what he wants to do.
The Ashland standout was named Ohio Cardinal Conference Defensive Player of the Year thriving in a stopper role for the Arrows and bringing a long throw in that gave the team a set piece opportunity nearly anytime with the ball in the attacking half.
He has been able to get some eyes on him outside of the high school game thanks to travel ball.
“We go to showcases — it’s not really tournaments — but we go play games and all the college coaches will be there to watch,” George said. “High school, we don’t really get any of that. And I think more coaches go to showcases for club teams more than high school games.”
And as beneficial as that has been, he wants a new challenge and believes Macclesfield can help with that.
“I really think it would help getting a different coaching view because I’ve been with the same coaches for six years,” George said. “So a different perspective and seeing the different kind of play that’s over there, developing something different, playing with other high-level kids over there … that will really help me.”
George is looking to others to help make his dream — playing at the highest level — come true. Anyone interested in helping cover expenses that include travel, housing, training, and living expenses can send donations to @Carlygeorge09 on Venmo or reach out to me for information on how to connect with George directly.
zholden@gannett.com | 419-617-6018 | Twitter/X: @Zachary_Holden
This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Ashland’s Gary George offered opportunity to train with Macclesfield F.C.
Reporting by Zachary Holden, Mansfield News Journal / Mansfield News Journal
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