FRENCHBURG, Ky. — Two Menifee County High School soccer players have been given an opportunity that could take them more than 4,000 miles from home — and potentially put them in front of professional soccer scouts.
Jaxen Sorrell and Kason Smith have been invited through Select Generation FC to attend a winter soccer camp in Bournemouth, England, from December 28 through January 8.
During the 10-day trip, the two Menifee County athletes are expected to train with professional coaches, compete against two European clubs and have an opportunity to play in front of professional scouts.
For two young soccer players from a small Eastern Kentucky community, it represents a rare chance to experience the sport on an international stage.
Select Generation FC operates a soccer academy in Bournemouth and focuses in part on identifying and developing North American players who hope to pursue opportunities at the collegiate, semi-professional or professional level. The organization says its players train under UEFA-licensed coaches and receive exposure to college programs and professional clubs.
Both Sorrell and Smith currently play midfield for Menifee County High School.
A lifelong love of soccer
For 17-year-old Jaxen Sorrell, soccer has been part of his life almost as long as he can remember.
Sorrell said he began playing at age 3 and credits the sport with teaching him determination, hard work and resilience. His Christian faith is also an important part of his approach to athletics, saying he prays before, during and after games.
His long-term goal is to play soccer at the collegiate level and, if the opportunity presents itself, continue into the professional ranks.
The chance to travel to England, he said, is something he never imagined he would have.
For 16-year-old Kason Smith, the story is similar.
Smith has played soccer since he was 4 and said the game has taught him lessons extending well beyond the field — including teamwork, determination, hard work and the importance of being there for his teammates.
He also hopes to play collegiate soccer and see how far the sport can take him.
Smith acknowledged one of the realities facing talented athletes from small schools: sometimes getting noticed can be difficult. The England trip would give him an opportunity to experience a different style of soccer, train in a new environment and compete against European players.
Making the experience even more meaningful is the fact that he would get to share it with one of his best friends and teammates.
Family and community rally behind the players
Jaxen's father, Grant Sorrell, shared the opportunity Saturday and encouraged the community to help the young men make the trip possible.
He said both players have been working to raise money themselves, including saving money and selling candy bars and beef sticks.
Grant described the invitation as an opportunity that could help advance their soccer careers and encouraged the boys to pursue it rather than someday wondering what might have happened had they not tried.
The trip, however, comes with a significant price tag.
According to their fundraiser, the Select Generation camp costs $2,950 per player, or $5,900 for both boys. Round-trip airfare is estimated at approximately $2,480 for the two, putting the current projected cost at about $8,380.
Jaxen and Kason have established a $9,000 fundraising goal to help cover those expenses, fundraising transaction fees and unexpected travel costs.
For the two Menifee County students, the trip isn't simply about traveling to England. It's an opportunity to learn, compete and find out where years of work on the soccer field might lead.
And regardless of what happens after those 10 days, getting the chance to represent their school and their Eastern Kentucky community while competing and training overseas would be an experience few high school athletes ever get to have.
Those wishing to help can donate to or share the boys' GoFundMe campaign.
