Bedfordview footballer earns trials with Italian club AC Reggiana

At the age of seven, Andreas Toumbis joined Olympia FC in Bedfordview, and presently, he is one of the two players invited for trials in Italy.

This follows Olympia FC’s announcement on November 10 that it has appointed the exclusive scouting partner for AC Reggiana Calcio, based in Italy. Toumbis will attend trials and a professional training stage at Reggiana.

“When I first heard about it, I was overwhelmed. I was so shocked. It’s something I’ve wished for my entire life – to go overseas, train, experience a different style of play, and learn. When I found out, I was nervous, but I knew that my hard work had brought me here,” he said.

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He added that it is a privilege and a big deal representing South Africa and Olympia FC, which is like a family to him, and he just wants to make them proud.

“Personally, it means a lot. Since the day I started playing football, I’ve always wanted to become a professional soccer player and prove that I can play at the highest level. This is a great opportunity for me to show that I am good enough,” Toumbis said.

Olympia FC has been like a family to Toumbis, who has made unbreakable bonds and friendships there.

He added, “They care, they always work to make you better as a player, and as a family, you’re always together as one throughout everything you do in the club. You never feel alone – you always have someone backing you, believing in you, and supporting you.”

Mentally, it is nerve-wracking for Toumbis knowing he’s going overseas to train with professional players at a professional club.

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He realises, however, that he is doing something he loves and he just needs to go out there and enjoy it. Physically, he has been training every day in the gym, playing with the ball, and working with his feet.

Toumbis thinks this is a wonderful opportunity and experience for young South African players coming up. It’s a chance to go overseas, experience different types of football, different styles of play, and a much higher intensity.

The football player is excited to experience the training grounds, the competition and how they coach in Italy; what he can learn from being there, and the experience of a different type of football as a whole.

Toumbis is grateful to his father, who has been there since day one. “He has always been there, no matter what I go through.

“No matter how tired he is, he pushes and takes me to every training session and every match. He is super proud of this achievement, and he thinks it’s a great accomplishment. He is very proud of me.”

To other young South African footballers who dream of international opportunities like this, Toumbis said, “If you push hard and train every day, staying consistent, you can do whatever you want to do.

“You don’t have to listen to other people telling you what you can and can’t do. If you have the persistence, you will make it.”