- Royce Fellowship
Michael
Manella
Concentration
History of Art and Architecture
Award Year
2011
Good or Great: Youth Soccer Development and the Student-Athlete
Faculty Sponsor: Patrick Laughlin
In an effort to uncover what it takes to become a professional footballer, Michael traveled to Brazil and Spain to film a documentary about youth soccer development. Michael conducted interviews with coaches and players from top-level clubs and street soccer games to gain an understanding of the relationship between culture, education, player development, and professional dreams. Through this opportunity Michael has gained a unique perspective of the cultural significance of soccer, and how the value of academics ties to athletic futures.