Spartans boy’s soccer duo earns shot to train with FC Bayern Global Academy

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - Two local high school soccer players are set to take a major step in their athletic careers after earning the opportunity to train with one of the world's most prestigious soccer organizations.

Central High School junior midfielder and winger Jorge Rivera and sophomore defender Ryan Burke recently traveled to Chula Vista to compete against 54 other players for a chance to be selected for the Bayern Munich Global Academy program. Out of a pool of 56 athletes, only 10 were chosen to continue with the program.

Rivera and Burke not only earned spots among the final 10 participants, but were also selected as two of just four players who will travel to Europe early for an extended training experience. The pair will spend three weeks in Germany training with the Bayern Munich Global Academy, gaining exposure to high-level coaching and competition.

For Rivera, the selection represents the culmination of years of dedication to the sport.

“All of my hard work, it feels like it's finally paying off and well I've been working my whole life towards this opportunity,” Rivera said. “I was already like happy to be chosen and well being out of those four, I was only surprised.”

The opportunity could also lead to future possibilities with the academy, something both players are approaching with excitement and determination.

“Just trying to see if maybe we have the opportunity to stay and play for that academy for a while, just learning from the coaches,” Burke said. “Yeah, it's a whole different level of soccer out there and it's, it's always good to learn something new, so I think that's what I'm most excited about.”

Rivera and Burke are scheduled to depart for Germany on Tuesday afternoon and will return on Oct. 20 after completing their training program with the Bayern Munich Global Academy.

The experience will provide the Central High standouts with an opportunity to develop their skills on an international stage while representing their school and the Imperial Valley.