Top Soccer Club Interested in ACS Student

Eight-grader Vladimir Nikolov may be new to ACS but has already gained some popularity thanks to a feat on the soccer field.

Vladimir was invited to try out with the Lazio football club, the Italian and UEFA Cup champion.

Vladimir made his first steps in the sport inspired by his father who is a professional soccer player. At 8, the boy joined Slavia and currently is captain of DIT FC. A Lazio scout noticed him at a recruiting game for the Bulgarian national team. The Italian invited the boy to train at Lazio's quarters for a week.

Vladimir shared his impressions of the state-of-the-art facilities. Situated outside the noise and bustle of Rome, the Lazio quarters featured several grass-covered and artificial fields, housing and fitness facilities, etc. The physical condition of the junior players was impressive – many were built like grown men. The boys welcomed him, and he became fast friends with the English speakers.

One practice that differed from Vladimir's usual training was the high speed at which all exercises were performed. There was no room for pausing and considering options. Once set, game rules were expected to be executed exactly.

These days, Vladimir is back at ACS, training and studying hard towards the end of his first semester. He is expecting Lazio's report on his performance in Italy. The boy is anxious to read their evaluation of his strengths and weaknesses. And hopeful that it might lead to further cooperation with the club of champions.

Although, if granted his real wish, he would go straight to Real Madrid. 

Based on an interview conducted by Borislav Dimitrov, coach of the ACS soccer team