Everton sends two players to England

December 30, 2008

Two Everton (FL) players have been selected to train with the Everton Academy in England. The two players, who just happen to be a brother-sister combination, received exciting news as they have been selected to become a part of the Everton Academy and will spend a week training with the club, seeing the sights, watching premier league games, and getting insight as to what it takes to become a professional soccer player at the highest level. Tony Paris, Executive Director of Everton (FL), said when interviewed that "it was not easy in the selection process as the committee sifted through possible candidates who were put forward from their coaches."

The highlight of the year for Paris was when he told the players that they had been selected to represent Everton FL. This makes all the hard work worthwhile when you see the effect this sort of good news has on aspiring athletes. He also commented that he feels this will be a catalyst and lift the level of play and commitment from Everton clubs players. This will also be a huge draw for players wanting to come over in the future and wear the blue of Everton.


Hunter and Taylor Loyden will fly to England for a week long training program in Spring where they will train and play with the Everton Academy, attend Premier League matches and ultimately have the opportunity to become part of the Everton FC.

Hunter currently plays for the U14 boys’ squad and Taylor competes with the U16 girls team. Both are strong and skilled soccer players who are technically sound with the ball. Each possesses good speed and solid knowledge of the game.

Hunter is a 5-5 forward and attends Southside Fundamental Middle School. The other half of the dynamic duo, Taylor, is a 5-5 midfielder at St. Petersburg High.

Taylor and Hunter look forward to the once in a lifetime opportunity beginning in the near future. Taylor’s immediate reaction to the news that she was selected to go to Everton in England was, "I thought they were joking at first. This is an awesome opportunity- I am very thankful the coaches considered me for this experience." Hunter’s response, " When I first found out I couldn’t believe it. This is the best opportunity I’ve ever had."


A daily blog that will be posted on the Evertonfl.com website to keep track of their experiences.