OPENING DOORS
After seeing his son thrive at Rhode Island University, Henry Matthews – Wesley’s father – was able to pay America a visit, and was thoroughly impressed by what he saw. “I was able to travel to America in August 2015, where during a threeweek stay, I was finally able to watch my son play and train,” says Matthews, who is a physical education teacher. “I saw first-hand the university set-up which looked after the well-being of my son both on and off the field. I was very impressed with what I saw and I am extremely happy with how my son’s dreams have become a reality.” Matthews was inspired, and went about finding ways to assist young South African talent to follow in the same path as his son. DreamTeamUSA. co.za was then created, with Matthews forming a relationship with the university’s soccer coaches to allow South African youngsters to tour and train with the team in the hope of earning scholarships and enrolling into the institution. “I arranged with the university to bring academically sound and talented soccer players for two weeks of training, matches and evaluation by the University of Rhode Island’s coaching staff,” he explains. “Team players who are good enough will be considered for possible scholarships at both schools and universities.” The first tour took place in April last year, and garnered positive feedback from the hosts. “It was an unqualified success, with six players considered good enough for scholastic offers, and two accepting the offers,” Matthews says. “It’s is a unique and wonderful American opportunity for young players, providing an intensive and unforgettable experience, which will not only provide them with an opportunity to play soccer in another country, but also help to promote an awareness of global issues and opportunities going forward.”