Cālon Minors is ready to make his mark in Italy

Cālon Minors is a 22 years old from the Island of Bermuda. He studied and played soccer at the University of South Carolina Upstate where he finished with a Bachelor’s of Science, in Exercise and Sports Science and a Minor in Psychology. He is the son of Clark and Beverley Minors, and the brother of an older sister Chloe Minors and he is now ready to make his mark in Italy.

Cālon, why did you choose to attend Soccer Management Institute in Italy?

Choosing SMI in Italy was an easy decision. I decided that I wanted to coach during my senior year at USC Upstate and when this opportunity came along it was God’s perfect timing. I was in a space where I wanted to give up playing and just focus on coaching because of injury, but I was asked to play in a few spring games for my school. During the games, I played great and I felt good, and I knew that I had more in me in terms of playing. Right after that I received information of SMI, I thought this is perfect for me. It is a chance to learn from some wonderful coaches and to have a chance to make a childhood dream come true, plus live in a beautiful city.

How do you think this experience will impact your soccer and professional career?

This opportunity has the chance to open many doors both for soccer and professionally, but they will only be opened with hard work. I trust that this experience will allow me to go to the next level in my soccer career.

What does excite you the most about living one year in Italy?

Apart from the actual coaching and soccer opportunity, I am extremely excited to be able to travel through Italy and other European cities and experience different cultures.

How do you think Italian soccer differ from the American one?

American soccer is played with an extremely high level of physicality and athleticism. My coach used to say it is a marathon and a wrestling match in American soccer. However, in Italy the most successful players are the ones who can read and think the game the best. Tactically knowledge is a major key in an Italian system.

Is your family planning on visiting you?

Yes, my family has already planned to spend Christmas in Italy. Also, a larger group of family members are ready to come a visit to participate in the graduation exercises.

How would you describe the journey you are about to start that will give you the opportunity to study, play soccer at high level and experience the Italian culture in Florence?

When I first heard about SMI I was in awe of such a wonderful opportunity. Now having committed to it and seen Florence, I am extremely excited but it still feels pretty surreal that this really happening.

SMI Press Office