http://www.calgarysun.com/2014/02/26/local-soccer-star-caniggia-ginola-elva-starstruck-after-earning-tryout-with-englands-arsenal-fcBY MICHAEL PLATT ,CALGARY SUN
FIRST POSTED: WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2014 06:43 PM MST | UPDATED: THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2014 10:17 AM MST
He already has an offer from a German club on the table, but it’s the German who sat beside him at the lunch on Wednesday that really left Caniggia ‘Ginola’ Elva in a state of awe.
“Mesut Ozil sat beside him at lunch — Caniggia told me he could barely eat his food,” said Ramon Mifflin, director of operations for Calgary’s South West United Soccer Club.
“He was completely star struck.” You’d have to follow English soccer to understand Elva’s excitement — but what’s easy to grasp is that the 17-year-old from Calgary is currently in England, trying out for one of the world’s top soccer sides, Arsenal F.C..
Even landing a tryout with the Premiership’s second-place team, known to fans as the Gunners, is a stunning achievement for the youth, who moved to Calgary from the Caribbean island of Saint Lucia at the age of 12.
Local soccer star Caniggia 'Ginola' Elva starstruck after earning tryout with England's Arsenal F.C.His team trumpeted the news over Twitter last week, stating: “OH MY - SWU Striker Caniggia Elva off to London, England for trial Monday with Arsenal FC. Thanks to all who helped him get there!”
Those watching the futball phenom’s development say Arsenal’s decision to fly Elva first-class to London on Monday shows they’ve seen a glimmer of what coaches here have long believed — that Elva is the most skilled soccer player Canada has ever produced.
“I think Caniggia at this moment, his skillset is better than Owen Hargreaves at the same age,” said Mifflin. That’s a huge statement, given Hargreaves’ vaunted position as the most successful Canadian soccer player ever, with a career that took him from Calgary to Bayern Munich and Manchester United, as well as a controversial decision to join England’s international squad.
But Mifflin says Elva is the better player, at this point. “He’s better, but we don’t know what’s going to happen — Hargreaves had the drive and determination to make it,” said Mifflin.
Hargreaves also chose to play for his father’s birthplace when the time came to choose an international side, and critics say the choice of England deprived Canadian kids of a valuable role model representing the maple leaf. Mifflin says that won’t be repeated in Elva’s case.
Though his father, Titus ‘Titi’ Elva, was a St Lucian international, the younger Elva has already expressed a desire to play for Canada — once his long-awaited immigration papers are settled.
“He wants to play for Canada,” said Mifflin. But first things first — and for now, Elva is focused on impressing a team full of stars like Mesut Ozil.
A video of the Calgarian showing off his skills hasn’t hurt — and it’s said that footage helped convince the Arsenal bosses to give Elva a shot.
“I am extremely grateful and humbled by this opportunity. I am a lifelong Thierry Henry fan, and it’s a dream come true to be at this great club!!” wrote Elva via an email from England.
He was also quick to praise his Calgary club for getting his a shot at the big leagues. “If it wasn’t for my family, teammates from Southwest United 96-97’s, my coaches, and SWU the best club in Calgary, this opportunity would have never happened” he wrote.
The tryout for Arsenal follows a trial and offer to play professionally in Stuttgart, Germany — but there has also been interest from Barcelona, and Benfica, who want a look at the Calgary forward.
The news has made the sport press in Europe, where one outlet described him as an “energetic youngster, who has pace and an eye for goal and can play out wide or in a more advanced attacking role.”
In Calgary, Elva’s uncle — with whom the future pro lives — says the whole family is overwhelmed with nervous joy. “I’m very proud of him,” said Oliver Elva.
michael.platt@sunmedia.ca
http://www.youtube.com/v/nnoYcc1yW6U?W PRESS RELEASE
February 28, 2014 at 8:33am
It is with great pride and joy that we extend hearty congratulations to our very own Titus "Titi" Elva, the former player #11 at W Connection FC whose son Caniggia Elva is on a trial at English Premier Club Arsenal FC! Caniggia has also been propositioned by German team Stuttgart and has captured the attention of FC Barcelona and Benfica.
Titi who hails from Vieux-Fort, Saint Lucia played with the club from its inception in 1999 up until the mid-2000s. His unforgettable goal scoring skills and infamous acrobatic field celebrations are trademarks stamped upon the history of W Connection FC. Caniggia who grew up around the old school cast of W Connection FC players would often accompany his father to team training sessions where he would display his already burgeoning talent. Now this young man has become a truly outstanding football talent and we here at W Connection could not be more proud of him!
We at W Connection FC want to wish both Caniggia and his father Titi the very best on this exciting journey. We hope for a successful trial and outcome for this young man. Continue working hard and aiming high Caniggia!
We were able to contact Titi for a short interview.
1. What is your fondest memory at W Connection FC?
Winning our first FA Cup Trophy in 1999 after losing 2 other cup finals.
2. What did you like about the club?
The club gave me the opportunity to play professional football and felt like a family to me. I really did enjoy my time there.
3. Do you still have a relationship with any members (past or present) of W Connection FC?
Yes I am still in constant contact with Coach and Earl. Manager Raymond Mc Lean is also a good friend of mine and I still talk to past players Hippo and Alvin (SLU).
4. Would you ever consider a reunion with the club?
Yes definitely. If ever given the opportunity I would be happy to relive those memories.
5. Was Caniggia always an avid football lover?
He was born with the talent and always loved the game. He also was into athletics but ultimately chose football as his main sport.
6. How do you feel that your son has gotten this opportunity?
Overwhelmed and very proud.
7. Have you spoken to him since and how has his experience been thus far?
Yes I have spoken to him twice. He told me that everything was good for now. He has trained twice with the team and is doing well.
8. What do you hope for him in the future?
I hope that he signs with Arsenal because I am a big Arsenal fan.
Caniggia seen here on the right with coach Stuart Charles Fevrier's son Raynaldo on the left on a night out with W Connection's senior professional team.