Sebastian Eurico with kids at the Camden Elite soccer academy he runs with a pal

Published: 13 March 2014
by STEVE BARNETT

• WITH the promised fame and fortune awaiting those lucky enough to reach the upper echelons of professional football, it’s easy to see why so many children are des­perately chasing their big chance.

Even when the wages shrink as you drop down the divisions, for those dreaming of living and breathing the beautiful game on a daily basis – and what’s more earning the right to call it their day job – any sacrifice is a worthy one.

But what happens when that dream turns in to a nightmare?

Like scores of talented young players, Sebastian Eurico has suddenly found himself without a club.

One minute praised for his promise and potential, the next cast aside and left wondering just what went wrong?

In the summer of 2009 we exclusively revealed that the former Haverstock schoolboy had signed a four-year deal with Nottingham Forest, a unique offer at the time as most promising players were only usually given two-year contracts.

Then 14, Sebastian left his friends and family behind as he swapped his home in Camden Road for digs near the Championship club’s City Ground.

Seb insists that despite how things have turned out, he has no regrets, and believes that what he has learnt over the past four years will only serve to help him in his quest to conquer the professional game.

“I loved every minute at Forest. The experiences I gained there turned me into a man,” he said. “I lived in a house where everyone spoke different languages, but through football we still became a family. I will miss the club.”

Seb, who is keeping up his match fitness by training and playing games at the pitches in Market Road, Islington, admits it was the lowest moment of his life when he was released by Forest.

“The coaches sat me down and told me that they loved all the hard work I had put in over the past year. They said that I had great promise and was close to a professional contract. Then, suddenly, they said they couldn’t offer me anything. I was so confused.
“I was obviously upset,

I didn’t eat for two days. I thought my dream was over.

“I could have understood if they had given me a list of reasons as to why I hadn’t made the grade – but they just gave me a blank page.”

Having joined Forest as a striker after being spotted while playing for the Pro Touch Soccer Academy, Seb adapted his game and now feels that he is more suited to playing right-back or on the right-wing. He’s now more determined than ever to beat the odds, saying he is ready to tackle “the worrying myth” that in the world of football if you’re not contracted to a club at 19 you’re too old to make it.

“Some exceptional players make the breakthrough in their teens. But, in truth, a manager doesn’t usually start trusting a player in the first team until he is 20 or 21.

“At 16 I was told I was too young. Now at 19 I’m being told I’m too old, so when am I suppose to play?

“I still have plenty to offer, I’m quick, strong and during my time at Forest really developed my understanding and reading of the game,” he says with conviction, adding: “The idea that I’m too old is nonsense.”

It’s fair to say that Seb has come a long way since he was first scouted by Fulham while playing for Camden’s Under-11s District team at Regent’s Park. He spent three years with the Cottagers before becoming unsettled at the club and deciding to go in search of a new challenge.

Having gained scores of highs and lows within the sport, Seb believes he is the right man to help the stars of tomorrow. “Myself and a close friend Elliott Boreham have launched Camden Elite – a new academy aimed at helping six to 12-year-olds follow their own footballing dreams.

“We’re not doing this for the money. The fact is there are children out there who deserve a chance but simply can’t afford it and we want to be there to support them.”

• Any clubs interested in inviting Seb for a trial, or parents interested in finding out more about Camden Elite, can contact him on 07956 656917.