Louisiana HS Athlete to Try Out With Soccer Pros in Spain

LAFAYETTE, La. (KPEL News) - A Lafayette Parish student-athlete training abroad at an international soccer academy is now getting a chance to make it to the pros, having gotten the call to attend a trial with Cadiz CF.

Drew Long, a senior at DTSMA, traveled to Spain this year to La Liga’s Cadiz CF Academy as part of the club's partnership with the International Soccer Academy. While he did have to miss the second half of his senior year, he has gotten the opportunity to train and play in Cadiz, Spain, while being coached by the pros.

"I’m so excited to go train with some higher competition," Long told KPEL News after it was announced he was being called up to the trial. "I’m so glad Coach Pablo gave me the chance to prove myself because I know I can compete at that level and higher levels."

The International Soccer Academy posted the news about Long's new opportunity on its social media pages, including Instagram.

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A post shared by International Soccer Academy (@internationalsocceracademyisa)

CONGRATULATIONS to Andrew Long for being called up by the Cadiz CF C Team which is a professional Men's team for a trial. Here are some pictures from his training yesterday. Cadiz CF C competes in the PRIMERA ANDALUZA SENIOR Division.
Prior to joining us in Spain this January at the Cadiz CF Integrated Team, Drew played for Cajun Rush.
Everyone at International Soccer Academy wishes Andrew continued success!

Long, who has been a student at David Thibodaux STEM Magnet Academy in Lafayette since middle school, is ready to prove his worth.

"I’ve only been to one training so far and I have a broken toe, but I have full confidence I’ll prove myself enough to the coach to get some kind of recognition and hopefully a contract," he said. "The only big downside is there’s a massive language barrier because I don’t fully know Spanish yet."

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Despite that language barrier, the folks back home know he's fully capable, including his high school soccer coach at DTSMA, Derek Menard.

"Drew went to Spain with the attitude that he was there to work and show what he’s capable of," Menard said. "Being able to get a trial is a testament to his talent and his work ethic. He has a huge fan club in Lafayette that knows what he’s capable of and is cheering him on every step of the way."