Olé Featured Story: Different Paths Ft. Kyle Adams and Harry Edge
Olé TV Episode 6 – Ft. Kyle Adams and Harry Edge
Olé Football Academy has welcomed back former Olé players Harry Edge and Kyle Adams. The two boys have returned to Olé for the winter season to compete with Western Suburbs in the Men’s Central League. This weeks featured story will help shed light on two common pathways that young Olé Football Academy players decide between; professional and university.
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What was your experience like at Olé, and how did it prepare you for your future football careers?
Kyle – I loved Olé. It allowed me to develop me not only as a player on the pitch, but also as a better person in and around the community. Specifically from a football standpoint, Olé molded me into an adaptable player that can play in any system. Declan and Ben tested my limits and pushed me everyday to become a better player.
Harry- I also really enjoy Olé. Olé has been the best place for me to improve because of how intense and deliberate the trainings are.
Why did you come back to train at Olé during the winter season?
Kyle – I returned to Olé because I know it is the best place for me to develop as a footballer. Declan and Ben put an emphasis on player development, which is not necessarily a priority in the US University system. Right now this is the offseason for University players and many often played in a US league called the PDL.
Harry- I came back to Olé because there is still certain aspects of my game I need to improve on and Olé is the best place in New Zealand to do that. Also, I love playing for my Dad and with my mates at Western Suburbs.
Kyle, you chose the University pathway and attended San Diego State University. Why did you choose to go to University? And, why did you choose San Diego State?
Kyle- I don’t have a European passport, and therefore getting a contract in Europe would be very difficult. I saw university as a stepping stone to getting a professional contract, as well as, developing certain skills which only the college game can teach you.
I chose San Diego State mainly because of the conference that we play in, the PAC-12. We play big time universities such as Stanford, Washington, and UCLA twice a season. My brother also lives in San Diego, which gave me a great family support system.
Harry, you chose to not attend university, why did you chose this pathway?
Harry- I didn’t chose the university pathway because I wanted to be a professional footballer.
Kyle, what has your experience been like at University? And what would you recommend to young New Zealand players that are interested in going to the US for football?
Kyle- Not only is the college experience incredible but living in San Diego, California is unbeatable. College “soccer” is very different than anything one would experience in New Zealand. It is extremely demanding physical and mentally, but I know the sacrifices I am making now will be worth it in the long run.
I would recommend going to University in the US because it is unforgettable opportunity both on and off the pitch. You not only get to live in and travel to some amazing places, but you also get to play at a high and intense level.
Harry, what has your journey been like over the past 4 years? And what would you recommend to young New Zealand players that are interested in pursuing a professional career right out of high school?
Harry- My journey has been tough and hard playing in a couple different countries (Holland and South Africa). I have had lots of downs and a few ups. I’ve had to deal with rejection and not quite being good enough, but I’ve also had success playing for Auckland City and winning the Minor Prem and O-League. My advice would be to stay really patient and listen to the Olé coaches. Work hard and be humble.
Boys, how do you think your pathway has helped develop you as a football player/person and what are your goals for the next 5-10 years of your football careers?
Kyle- Attending university and obtaining a degree from San Diego State has given me a career after my footballing days are done. I also met my beautiful wife Lydia at SDSU and have developed significantly as a human. Football wise, I have become bigger, faster, and stronger playing in the US. This is due to the fact that the game is so physical and many coaches place a lot of emphasis on this. Within 5 years, I want to be playing in a top league in Europe and potentially wearing an All Whites jersey at the 2022 World Cup.
Harry- My goals for the next 5-10 years is to keep improving and keep enjoying my football.
