onelovesoccer

THE INTERNET ENIGMA

Vincenzo Bernardo is truly an internet enigma.  Despite having little TV or game exposure to the average American soccer fan, his story is well documented and followed.  Over the course of his professional life, there have been an abundance of articles involving him--making him a public relations giant.  But what has he done to attract such attention?  And are we still at the beginning of Bernardo’s soccer story, or are we nearing the end?

At the age of 16, he managed to earn a spot with Napoli’s youth program.  Working his way up to the Primavera team, Bernardo scored a contract with Napoli.  Among the articles, he was constantly being compared favorably to Fabrizio Miccoli.  Things were looking great, until his final year of his contract.  Despite being offered an extension to his contract and a potential loan to a Serie C2 team, Bernardo opted out of his contract, explaining:

“My stay with Napoli was an experience that I can take with me for the rest of my life. It was three of the most crucial and important years for my development and I felt that for an American player like myself, there wasn't a better place to be. It made me a better player but also a more mature person on and off the field. I do not have any regrets. If anything, I thank Napoli for giving me the opportunity and the experience that will benefit my career wherever I go.”

COMING BACK HOME

Having multiple interests around Europe, Bernardo had various trials in multiple countries but was unable to secure a contract, which brought him back to the US.  He went to Kansas City on a three day trial with the Wizards.  Though he thought it was successful few days, he did not earn a contract due to the negotiation of the new CBA and roster availability.  It’s hard to impress anyone with only three days to adjust to the team and playing style. 

“My trial in KC went well. It was my first experience with a professional team in the United States. I was invited to a three-day invite only trial along with twenty-five other players from all over the world. Although I was the youngest, I felt that I played well and left a good impression.”

Despite not playing for anyone, Bernardo still has high hopes of playing professionally.  He’s been training with USL side Rochester Rhinos as well as training by himself.  He has gathered interest from other domestic and international sides, though remains silent on details.  What I can say is there are a couple MLS sides he is in talks with, however with the new CBA, talks have slowed down.  There is also interest in two European sides.

“I can honestly say I live my life day by day. When I’m not training with a team, I am training on my own and waiting for a call. I have trained with KC and the Rochester Rhinos. I am currently in talks with few other domestic teams as well as other international teams, and hope something concrete can be finalized soon.”

Will Bernardo find a team where he can continue his development as a player and person?  Only time will tell.  He’s had a trialing year, going from a player with a professional contract to a free agent.  He is still young and has plenty of time to find a permanent home.  He simply has to continue to work on his weaknesses and fine tune his strengths. 

ON US SOCCER YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

Finally, everyone has an opinion of how to fix the youth development program here in the states.  Some say “make it cheaper” other say “make it more competitive”.  Well Bernardo has his take on how to improve youth soccer.  His take on the subject is to have more training sessions and games.  Practicing 2 maybe 3 times a week will not develop the players into successful professionals.

“While growing up here in the states and playing at a young age I always felt strongly on having more training sessions and games. In Europe I was training five times a week, along with one game and only one rest day. It’s important that young players focus on training and developing as much as possible. I also feel that players should not pay to play soccer. There should be more youth systems coming out from the MLS to support young American players in every way possible.”

You may follow Vincenzo Bernardo several ways:

Facebook:  Vincenzo Bernardo

Twitter:  VB10

Website:  http://www.vincenzobernardo.net/

Camp:  http://www.vincenzobernardo.net/eng/soccercamp.asp