Our academician Amine is 20 years old and has a US passport. But his family left the US 3 years ago and settled in UAE where he played football ever since as a striker. Currently practising with Al-Ain Football Club for the first and second teams, Amine had previously practised for Al-Jazira and Al-Wahda Football Clubs in Abu Dhabi. When he was in the US, he first played for Westside High School, later for Texas Premier Football Club in Houston, and then with NOSA U-16s . Prior to that Amine played with CSA since the age of 6. Amine is our only academician who was almost fluent in French when he arrived last September.

1) How do you feel in general ?

I am very impatient and very anxious because I want to succeed quickly. I know that I am on good pathway and understand that I need to control the impatience. I like the physical training sessions by Alain (EduKick Technical Director). I have a feeling that I have advanced in football in spite of my impatience. I feel very comfortable at the College and appreciate the social life but I also understand how important the program is and remain focused and not to giving in to the temptations of campus life.

2) What about the life at the College international :

a. French class: I am actually at the 12th level of French (the highest level is 17). I think that I’m going to move quickly to a higher level. The French lessons are very interesting.

b. Food: No complaints it is very good. Sometimes the cook forgets to prepare me an omelette when pork is on the menu!

c. Room: The space is enough. At the beginning I had some difficulties with my roommate Marcellos but now everything is alright. I think I will feel better as soon as Jesse shares the room with me.

d. Friends: Yes, I have made many new friends. Everybody is ok and sweet with me. I have French and American friends. Sometimes we go in town together. Yesterday we went to a restaurant to watch a Champions League match.

3) What about soccer :

I feel good in the club. I work seriously and I wish to quickly get a stronger game. The only bad point is that I do not understand that some players may miss a training and be selected to play on the team for the matches on Sundays.

4) What about your French social life:

I visit Cannes regularly. I have lots of friends there and have started to collect their phone numbers to stay in touch.

5) What about your relationship with the other EduKick participants ? I’m friends with everybody, everything is fine.

6) Do you have any wishes, requests or needs …?

When football is alright everything is alright for me! It is necessary that I succeed quickly.

7)Sebastien’s challenge?

«I would like you to make a group of French friends and participate in activities with them (dinner, sports activities, pubs, etc…). « Amine, I would like to congratulate you on your exemplary attitude. Everybody likes you and appreciates you (staff, coaches, Alain, etc…) you are polite, serious and respectful… The challenge is now to continue because you are on the correct path to succeed! »

Connnor is American and was born in 1990. Now at the age of 18 he wants to take his chance to become professional. As a mid-field player the competition is tough inside a high level group for who discovers football in Europe. With lots of determination Connor won his place in the team and is now on the pitch straight from start with the U18 team 3 of AS Cannes. And in a short time he is now almost fluent in French !

1) How do you feel in general?

It took some time to adjust before I began to feel good. I am happy and each day I love living in France more and more. Alain is very serious and he trains us hard. I would like the sessions with him to be longer! In general I do not have any complaints with the College. It’s really relaxing.

2) PWhat about life at the Collège international :

a. French class: Each day I am progressing. I feel really good in my classroom.

b. Food: Sometimes it’s not enough and sometimes not so good.

c. Room: Small. But I’m going to be moved to a bigger one soon so that’s ok.

d. Friends: Not a lot yet just a few because I’m new. Sometimes I go in town with my new friends.

3) What about soccer :

am here to improve so I would appreciate to be part of the AS Cannes team rather than USCBO.

4) What about your French social life:

I have some journalist friends. I try to speak with them but it’s difficult. Sometimes we organise friendly fixtures on the pitch of the MJC (Municipal sports facilities close to the College).

5) What about your relationship with the other EduKick participants ?

No problem. Sometimes I’m tired of Jesse but its normal, he is my room mate. In generally everything’s is going well.

6) Do you have any wishes requests or needs …?

Yes, I want to play competitive matches quickly. Could you help me for my resident card? When are we going to Marseille?

7) Sebastien’s challenge ?

Seb : « I would like you to organise a small football tournament with your friends, both the journalists and the other Edukick participants. ».

Jesse is our Aussie representative, originated from Perth and the West coast of Australia. Though he is only 17, he had a lot of opportunities to join several clubs as a mid-field player: Fremantle City with whom he won the League U14, then South West Phoenix and Bunbury United, then trained Croydon Kings U19 and Dynamo’s reserves and League, and finally Mandurah City reserves.

1) How do you feel in general?

Very well. I have no complaints about the College. I like the physical training with Alain. I’m so excited and wait with impatience all day on the Thursday to discover what Alain has organised for us. I’m happy because I feel progress with him. Normally I hate fitness but with Alain it’s different and now I like it. Thanks Alain.

2) What about life at the Collège international :

a. French class: I am at the lowest level of French but progressing a lot each day. I’m in my place and feel good.

b. Food: Too many French fries! But the dishes are good.

c. Room: “Small”. Thank you Seb and Andreas for moving me to a bigger one. I’m happy to become the room mate of Amine.

d.. Friends: Yes I have a lot because it’s so easy to find friends at the College.

3) What about soccer :

AS Cannes is a very serious team. I hope to quickly make lots of progress and be able to play with my new team. There is a lot of competition but it’s good for me.

4) What about your French social life :

Je n’ai pas encore d’amis français, mais au collège les échanges avec les gens sont faciles car ils sont tous très gentils. J’ai beaucoup d’amis américains et suisses.

5) What about your French social life : What about your relationship with the other EduKick participants ?

I do not have French friends but at the College it’s easy because the people are sweet and nice with me. I have lots of Swiss and American friends..

6) Do you have any wishes requests or needs …?

JWe do lots of things together. Beach soccer, beach volley, billiards and play soccer tournaments. There is a good atmosphere.

7) Sebastien’s challenge

Seb : Seb : « I would like you to meet some students from the journalism university and then try to get one French friend. Do you think that you can do it? YES for sure! »

We have here our “exotic” origin academician Marcelos, from Bermuda Island. From the age of 4, Marcelos has been involved in a soccer programme. His coach at that time, who was currently the coach for the Senior National Team, styled the training and played after the Dutch. The teams Marcelos has played for in Bermuda were always successful in their seasons, winning several league finals and knockout cups. He has always been a part of the Bermuda National Squads which, in Bermuda, start from U-13 through senior. Now playing for AS Cannes with a Brazilian style, his coach has given him the nickname “Marceloninos”.

1) How do you feel in general? Very well. I have no complaints about the College. I like the physical training with Alain. I’m so excited and wait with impatience all day on the Thursday to discover what Alain has organised for us. I’m happy because I feel progress with him. Normally I hate fitness but with Alain it’s different and now I like it. Thanks Alain..

2) What about life at the Collège international :

a. French class: I’m at a good level. The teacher is very open. I am progressing quickly.

b. Food: I do not eat pork and red meat. Often I do not have as much choice from the menu.

c. Room: Big enough. They are very comfortable. I’m happy to know that I’m going to share my room with Connor soon.

d. Friends: Yes I have a lot already.

3) What about soccer :

I thought that it would be more technical than physical. I play with my National Team and I can see the difference between the levels of training. There are too many differences between my team’s level and the team that Mason is placed with. I am impatient to play with AS Cannes. The transport for the last match was not very well organized.

4) What about your French social life :

Very well, it’s okay. I have lots of journalist friends.

5) What about your French social life : What about your relationship with the other EduKick participants ?

It’s a nice group. We have lots of fun and I enjoy their company. Sometimes I get bored of Jesse but that’s normal because he is younger.

6) Do you have any wishes requests or needs …?

PNot really. Can I go to Liverpool for the Champions League with Connor?

7) Sebastien’s challenge

Seb : I would like you to go out or participate in a social activity with your French journalist friends.».