This weeks student spotlight is with one our past students Trey, who, after completing an intership in Villarreal C.F. with Euroace, went on to secure a contract at USL (United Soccer League) as the expansion manager of the youth and pre-professional leagues! Read more about his experience below! 

¡Hola, Trey!

We’re delighted to have your participation in this special interview for our blog. Your journey from your internship at Villarreal F.C. to securing a contract  in USL  (United Soccer League) perfectly represents how an international experience can open unexpected professional doors. Let’s begin!

1- What specific role or responsibilities did you have during your internship in Spain?

During my internship with Villarreal CF, I supported the club’s efforts to expand into the U.S. soccer market. My responsibilities included researching and analyzing the youth soccer landscape across various states to identify potential academy partnerships based on strategic criteria. I also contributed to the development of existing partnerships by creating marketing materials to strengthen Villarreal CF’s presence and engagement with American academies.

2- Was the language barrier much of a challenge for you?

The language barrier wasn’t much of an issue while living in Valencia because it has a big international population in which I was able to thrive even though my Spanish wasn’t the best.

3- How did your Spanish language skills develop throughout your year here, and how important were they to your success?

My Spanish developed moderately throughout my time in Spain, I felt myself growing to the point where I felt comfortable living in Spain and could truly enjoy it’s beauty without stressing over the language barrier.

4- Could you describe a typical day during your internship?

Each day would begin with a scenic train ride from the beautiful Estació del Nord station in Valencia to Villarreal. I’d arrive at the office—located inside the iconic Estadio de la Cerámica—around 10:30 AM to begin my workday. My mornings typically started with a check-in meeting with my manager, Brandon Páramo, where we’d review my progress and discuss feedback. From there, I’d dive into various projects, which ranged from conducting market research and designing marketing materials to creating mock website layouts. On certain days, instead of working in the office, I had the opportunity to assist on the training grounds, helping coordinate player meet-and greets with visiting international academy teams—sometimes even meeting first-team players myself. Once my tasks were completed, I’d head back to Valencia by train to wrap up the day.

5- Did you face any challenges? How did you overcome them?

Living on my own and in entirely different continent was a big challenge for me. I’ve lived away from home but never on a different continent. I figured everything out once I found my friends, having people that you can rely on and that will help you is how I was able to overcome any challenge I faced.

6- How has your experience in Spain helped you secure your new position in the US?

My internship with Villarreal CF played a significant role in helping me secure my new position with the USL as the Expansion Manager for their youth and pre-professional leagues. The projects I worked on at Villarreal closely align with the responsibilities I’ll be handling at the USL, providing me with relevant, hands-on experience. Additionally, my manager at Villarreal, Brandon Páramo, had previously collaborated with the USL on a project, which allowed me to build valuable connections within the U.S. soccer industry. The combination of practical experience and industry networking gained during my internship was instrumental in landing this new opportunity.

7- What advice would you give to other international students considering a similar path?

Join activities and trips while you’re doing your internship, it’s the best way to meet people naturally and create lifelong connections.

8- Did the program meet your expectations?
The program exceeded my expectations, I never would’ve thought that I was going to experience everything I did and meet that many amazing people from all over the world. As a result of my time in Spain, I have friends from countries all over the world and I couldn’t be
more thankful for that.

9- What was the most valuable thing you learned during this year as an intern?

The most valuable thing I learned during my internship is how the soccer industry works on the business side. I am a huge soccer fan so being able to understand how things operate and work, was interesting. It has also lead to me being able to land my new role here in the US.

10- What was your favorite memory or moment from your time in Spain?

My favorite memory that I have of my time in Spain is the first trip I went on to Gandía, Spain. This was my favorite memory because it was my first week in Spain and this is where I met my closest friends and started my journey in Spain!