History
Wesley Matthews – Director
In 2013 I was fortunate enough to receive a full Soccer and Academic Scholarship at the University of Rhode Island (USA), playing in the Atlantic 10 Conference of the NCAA Division 1.
My Dad was able to travel to America in August 2015, where during a 3 week stay, he was able to watch me play, train and see first-hand the University set-up to look after my well-being, both on and off the field.
He was very impressed with what he saw and was extremely happy with how my dreams were becoming a reality. He was able to meet with the URI Coach and various other local Soccer administrators, with whom he discussed ideas of how he could facilitate talented young South African Soccer players to get to the USA.
Eventually he was able to arrange with these role players, to set up a structure to bring talented players who were not only good Soccer players, but also academically sound, for about 14 days of training, matches and evaluation by University, School and Club Coaches, as well as the local Football Club and Schools system – players considered good enough would be considered for possible School or University Scholarships.
We brought an initial group of 12 Boys to America in 2016, which was then followed by a group of 16 Boys in 2017 and 18 Boys in April 2018. In 2019 we brought our first Girls team and together with the Boys team, we numbered 32 players in 2019.
Covid stalled the DreamTeam for a while, but we were able to slowly get things going again to tour in 2024 with a Girls team.
Various players have received offers for scholarships at both School and University level, and currently four players have been able to take up the offers, with many unable to do so, due in the main to academic shortfalls.
As mentioned in the Aims and Objectives listed above, although we obviously hope all the players would be offered scholarships, we essentially aim to provide an intensive and unforgettable experience for the players on a tour of a lifetime.
The Americans are very serious about their Soccer and have amazing structures in place at both school and university level to develop the game, for both Boys and Girls.
This is a unique and wonderful opportunity to be able to facilitate an American opportunity for your Child / Players and the only one of its kind that I know of that is linked so directly with such a quality American Soccer system, Clubs, Schools.
I firmly believe this trip will not only provide them with a unique opportunity to play Soccer in another country, but also help with their own growth as a Soccer player and a human being.
The cost of the trip will always only be for the costs incurred for flights, accommodation, meals and transport, with a huge support base of American families and friends assisting to keep the costs down to an affordable level. If you think your Child, or any players in your school or Academy, will benefit from this unique opportunity, please feel free to contact us as soon as possible.
I completed my four year degree at the University of Rhode Island and a Masters in Business Administration in Boston and now work for Tesla (USA) in Boston.
Henry Matthews - Director
In August 2015, while visiting the USA to see my Son Wesley, I became aware that our top young South African Soccer players were every bit as talented as their American counterparts and others, playing in the quality Division 1 College / University Soccer league.
I immediately set about trying to find a way to get my fellow Africans to the USA, not only for the possibility of scholarships, but also to provide them with an intense and unforgettable experience, which will not only provide them with an opportunity to play Soccer in another country, but also help to build friendships across the world.
This has been a particularly rewarding exercise for me and I have seen the growth of the youngsters as they have interacted with each other on and off the Soccer field.
I am extremely appreciative of everyone who has played a role in the success of the DreamTeam over the years and am particularly excited to have Lydia Monyepao, the CEO of SAFA and former South African International player and Team Manager, as well as John Barata, a coaching legend of American Soccer, in our DreaDreamTeam family.
I have recently retired from a Teaching and Sports career of over 40 years and will be giving the DreamTeam my full attention this year.
I cannot stress enough of how these trips benefit the players, both on and off the field – while playing Soccer internationally is one thing, the integration with an American Host family and exposure to a totally different lifestyle and culture, makes this a trip of a lifetime for everyone.
I hope that you will consider joining us on a DreamTeam Tour and find out for yourself…