Soccer (Football)
Miami Team Trains With Jayzinho Ahead of US Finals
Street Soccer Legend Jayzinho and La Oficina de Kendall train together in preparation of Neymar Jr’s Five U.S. finals.
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Jayzinho is recognized around the world as a top Street Soccer legend, but not many know his story. Originally from Toronto, Jayzinho grew up with a ball attached to his feet. As a player, he was creative on the field, saw the importance of small-sided play and discovered the beautiful art of freestyle soccer.
Soon after Jayzinho's professional soccer career overseas, he signed with the top global Freestyle Soccer agency. He then began touring across the US and globe performing freestyle shows for major brands and organizations. Upon his return, he built a futsal court in his backyard to practice and perfect his game.
This lead to many opportunities and eventually Jayzinho settled in Miami and became sponsored by Adidas. Many videos of him went viral on YouTube and Instagram. Soon after, Jayzinho got a call from EA Sports and was asked to do the motion capture for the video game FIFA Street 4! In the game, his character can only be unlocked, and is the second-best character in the game (just behind Neymar Jr's Barcelona superstar teammate Lionel Messi). Jayzinho currently owns and operates J10 Futbol Academy where he teaches youth players with his international experience, but Jayzinho has more in the works to grow the game of street soccer and make an impact in Miami.
I have a dream to open a full facility for futsal. I want to give people an experience they’ve never scene and motivate them to play. Soccer can change someone’s life, and I want to provide the place to teach the game I love, positively impact the community and grow soccer in Miami.
Street soccer legend Jayzinho
© Ian Witlen
In preparation for the U.S. Finals of Neymar Jr’s Five, Jayzinho trained La Oficina de Kendall Soccer Team at his J10 Football Academy. “I wanted to bring out the max in each of these players. "I want to show people that believing in yourself and embracing the ball can create happiness in life...All you need is a ball!"
it's my turn and duty to give them everything I can,” said Jayzinho. “The team has a lot of talented players, and these guys have what it takes to win the U.S. Finals.”
Team La Oficina de Kendall all grew up locally playing for Kendall Soccer Academy. After high school, each player continued playing Division 1 Soccer at local colleges including Florida Gulf Coast University, Florida International University, University of South Florida, and Stetson University. After college, they found their niche in local 5v5 tournaments and have traveled to Dubai and Thailand to play, and entered the Neymar Jr’s Five Tournament in 2016 where they advanced after winning a Miami Qualifier, and made it to the U.S. semifinals.
LOdK team member goes through cone drills
© Ian Witlen
Jayzinho looks on at training
© Ian Witlen
La Oficina de Kendall practices their shooting.
© Ian Witlen
“It was a tough loss, we wanted to go to Brazil and were only one game away,” said Team Manager Steven Saballos. “This session will help us prepare for this year to make it further.” The session led by Jayzinho was tough, but the team was ready for it. La Oficina, the first part of their team name, is derived from "the Office" because they all like to put in their shift of hard work.
After winning the 2017 Neymar Jr.’s Five Miami Qualifier, La Oficina de Kendall hopes to be crowned U.S. Champions and represent the United States in Brazil at World Finals. After all, the team has a chip on their shoulder and want to win on their home turf. “We’re ready, and excited to play. This tournament is special, and we want to win Neymar Jr.’s Five U.S. Finals and for us and to represent Miami to the world. 305 has a big name, and it's played a big role in who we are today,” said Steven Saballos.
The U.S. Finals for Neymar Jr.’s Five will take place at Bayfront Park in Miami on June 10, 2017.
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