PSC combine attendee and UPSL program participant Reynaldo Zarate has earned trials with Latvian top-flight side FK Jelgava.

The 19-year-old defender took part in PSC’s Los Angeles combine in December, attracting interest from several attending clubs, before Baltic scout Aleksandrs Čekulajevs recommended the center-back to Jelgava, who were in pursuit of a young defender.

Zarate had been involved in two of PSC’s programs in the run-up to his attendance at PSC’s LA combine: the 2017 Ireland Residential Program and the newly-formed UPSL Program.

Reflecting on the news, PSC Director Tom Taylor highlighted just how invaluable he believes both programs have been for Zarate in earning trials in Europe.

“Both the Residential Programme and the UPSL Programme provide players with daily professional training and participation against top-quality opposition – aiming to prepare individuals for showcase opportunities,” said Taylor.

“Reynaldo’s development during both programs was magnificent – he applied what he learned on a daily basis, and I believe that led to his success during the Los Angeles combined.

“He received coaching from top-level professional coaches – including former EPL player Martin O’Connor, ex-Republic of Ireland international Patrick Walker, and ex-MLS coach Guy Newman – while playing more than 30 games over the summer.

“It’s also important to note that Reynaldo’s work ethic is second to none, and without that hard work, he wouldn’t have earned himself this opportunity. All too often I see players who are not willing to put the effort in, and that ultimately separates the players who do and don’t earn these professional opportunities.

“Reynaldo applied himself fantastically during the programs and the combined event – and his trial offer in Europe is a testament to the fact that hard work will bring success within the correct environment,” concluded Taylor.

All of the staff here at PSC wish Reynaldo the very best of luck during his trial with FK Jelgava.

If you would like to follow Reynaldo’s path to success and attend our programs, tours, or combined events, please contact simon@pscltd.co.uk for more information.

This article was written by Joe Angove – a sports journalist currently working with PSC. Joe’s work has been published and broadcast by The Independent, the BBC, Goal.com, and Plymouth Argyle FC, among other news outlets and sports clubs.