Roma defender looking to turn pro
Roma’s Elijah Caparello-Wanless is hoping for a pro soccer career. Photo by: RUTH WANLESS
Elijah Caparello-Wanless has high hopes for his future on the pitch.
The 18-year-old St. Catharines resident played last season for the St. Catharines Club Roma Wolves of the League1 Ontario Men’s Premier Division and also spent six weeks in Italy training.
Caparello-Wanless said the experience overseas was an eye-opener.
“Here the players are players are more athletic, over there they train more for the mind, the soccer aspect of the game, the sport itself,” said Caparello-Wanless, a graduate of St. Francis Secondary School. “They are more focused on teaching how to play their style. They are very soccer-minded and smart when it comes to playing the game itself.”
Caparello-Wanless has long and impressive resume — 2016 First to the Turf champs; 2016 US National Team iD2 Selection Camp; 2016 Mic Cup, Spain; Empire United, 2017; U15 US Soccer National finalist; 2017 Mayors Cup finalist.
“I went to the DA league (Development Academy) in the States and that was my first taste of learning the actual tactics of the game and the mental side,” he said. “I was somewhat prepared to go over there but I was speaking a different language so I had to try and figure out what I could by being on the field and experiencing it more than them telling me and me understanding.”
The left-back said focusing only on soccer was a double-edged sword.
“It was really cool but it was a lot of pressure,” he said. “I’m not in school right now. I’m trying to make a living at this so every time I’m out on the field I’m doing 150 per cent all the time and kind of taking it as my job.”
He felt it was a worthwhile experience.
“It helped so much. Obviously being away from home and learning a different culture and language it helps build your maturity up and I already feel I’ve learned so much more being there than staying home and just playing here.”
Roma’s Head of Operations for League1 Carmine Provenzano is proud of the fact the Wolves can offer a different pathway than most organizations.
“Our head coach has the connections in Italy to get players looked at. It’s important and it separates us from the rest of the teams in League 1,” he said.
Caparello-Wanless, who is slated to back go Italy and play for Foligno Calcio Series D team, also plans to suit up again for Roma this summer.
“I loved the atmosphere and everything about Roma. It was awesome playing in front of my family and friends and everyone around,” he said.
Roma head coach Federico Turriziani feels Caparello-Wanless could be a key component for the Wolves.
“Elijah is another player that has the potential to play an important role in the upcoming 2022 season,” he said. “Elijah built an important foundation in terms of his work ethic, and he is very focused in developing his body and muscle management.
“Elijah has the potential to further enhance and move forward in his soccer career. From a tactical perspective, Elijah has the skill to develop and grow as a professional soccer player.”
This is the first in a series of profiles of Roma players who trained in Italy last season. Next week: Carson Provenzano.
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