Woodlawn Academy soccer star
Kibukila “Kibu” Mbula started playing soccer with his friends in his neighborhood when he was 5 years old. Now, seven years later, because of his talent and hard work, the Woodlawn Academy seventh-grader had the opportunity to participate in an elite regional mini-camp for talented youth soccer players.
“I was scouted for this camp through playing with San Antonio FC (San Antonio’s minor league football club),” said Kibu. “We had to try out and show what you have, all your talent. That is how I got chosen for the team.”
March 14-18, Kibu and 79 other players gathered in Frisco, Texas, for the U.S. Soccer Youth National Teams Under-14 (YNT U-14) Talent Identification Central Region Mini-Camp at the Toyota Soccer Center. Not only did Kibu have the chance to play with accomplished youth from all over the central United States, he was taught about important topics like nutrition, sleep and recovery. Additionally, Kibu had the chance to view videos of himself playing to gain personalized feedback on his skills.
“My favorite thing about the camp was playing the games; they were very competitive,” said Kibu. “Playing against other kids that are top talent was great.”
The YNT U-14 Talent Identification Program is part of U.S. Soccer, the official governing body of the sport in the United States. According to the U.S. Soccer Federation website, the FIFA member governs U.S. amateur and professional soccer, including the men's, women's, youth, beach soccer, futsal, and Paralympic national teams.
Robert Allen, Trinity University assistant principal intern, says that Kibu works just as hard in the classroom as he does on the field.
“We had an awards ceremony here the other day, and Kibu was recognized for both the high honor roll and honor roll,” he said. “He knows his grades are important to go to a university with Division I soccer.”
During the regional camp, the players were divided into teams of 20 and played each other in round-robin competition. Kibu’s team won two games and tied their last match. Based on his performance at the camp, Kibu is waiting to hear if he has been selected to be one of the 20 players from the camp who move on to the YNT U-14 National Identification Camp, which will take place this summer.
“I think I definitely have a chance,” Kibu said with a smile.