Two Impact U17 players in Chicago for MLS all-star week
Connor Manuel and Sean Rea will participate in the festivities organized by MLS
The Impact U17 midfielders Connor Manuel and Sean Rea were invited by MLS to participate in the festivities around the 2017 MLS All-star Game with players from other academies across the league.
"Being able to attend such a prestigious event with some of the best players from Canada and the United States is an honour," said Connor Manuel. "Not only will it be a great experience on the field to play against great players, but off the field, it will be amazing to learn new soccer philosophies and get to know the players. I am very proud to be able to represent the Montreal Impact at this event."
"I am honoured to have the opportunity to play soccer amongst all star players and to have the possibility to experience this great event," said Sean Rea.
Both players will take part in many activities organized by the league, including a 3v3 tournament, a futsal tournament, as well as a 7v7 tournament, always played between players of MLS academies.
They will also have the opportunity to play an 11v11 game at Toyota Park, just before the 2017 MLS Homegrown Game on August 1 at 8pm, in which Ballou Tabla will play against the Chivas Guadalajara U20 team. They will also attend the 2017 MLS All-star Game, presented by Target, in which Nacho Piatti will face Real Madrid CF on August 2 at 9pm EDT (TVA Sports).
Connor Manuel was born in Dublin, Ireland, and grew up in Bedford, Nova Scotia, before joining the Montreal Impact Academy in 2015. He was previously playing for Halifax City.
Sean Rea joined the Impact with the Pre-academy, in its inaugural year in 2014, before going through the different age categories up to the Impact U17. He was previously playing for Saint-léonard.
Both Impact U17 midfielders will start training with their team on their return, to prepare for the 2017-2018 Development Academy season, which will start on Saturday, September 2, against Everton FC Westchester, at Centre Nutrilait.