Narre Warren South teenager Gino Santangelo is hoping to win an international sporting scholarship.
GINO Santangelo has got a name that would roll nicely off a soccer commentator’s tongue.
That scenario may soon come true for the Narre Warren South youngster who is only a few academic tests from being awarded a sporting scholarship to a USA university.
Gino, 17, recently travelled to Italy to hone his round ball skills while competing against some of the most famous clubs on the European continent.
Juventus and AS Roma were just a few of youth teams he played against during his three week trial with Melbourne based academy Genova International School of Soccer.
The Doveton Soccer Club player said he had learnt a lot from playing soccer overseas.
“It was really good. A really professional set up that they had over there,” he said.
The Berwick Secondary College student describes himself as a quick and agile striker who uses his speed to get around defenders.
“I’ve been playing since I was seven. My plan is to finish the tests for the scholarship and then go overseas probably around August next year,” Gino said.
Those plans could result in the local lad being sent to any number of far-flung American universities.
But that prospect holds little fear for Gino, who will not let anything stop him on his way to becoming a professional player in the world game.
All going well he will be in the USA for four years.
“I will also be studying over there. I would like to get into business management or accountancy both of which I enjoy.”
