A select few of Toronto FC II players have been invited to Toronto FC’s preseason camp in preparation for the upcoming season.
18-year-old midfielder Luca Uccello is one of those soaking in the experience and taking advantage of the opportunity to learn from some of the top players in the MLS.
“When you’re a young player and you’re trying to excel, they’re always supportive. It’s important for a young player, especially myself being 18 years old to just listen to what they have to say and sort of adapt to their playing style and let them help me,” said Uccello following the team’s recovery session on Tuesday.
“It means the world to me to just learn from world-class players and look at their training habits and try to emulate and develop those habits as much as I can.”
One of the more experienced players that has decided to take Uccello under his wing has been Jonathan Osorio, another young Canadian midfielder.
“Jonathan has been unbelievable in helping me become more confident on the ball even if I make some mistakes, which youngsters do.”
“On the pitch he’s always there to encourage me and help me reach a higher confidence level. It’s not always easy to come into these training camps and train with more experienced guys but Oso has been there to support me,” Uccello added.
Canadians like Osorio and Ashtone Morgan have created the pathway to success and have been an inspiration for other young Canadians in the organization such as Uccello.
This blueprint starts early on at the Kia Toronto FC Academy to help make the transition easier.
“I mean the speed of play is much higher but if you look at the entire culture of the academy up to the first team it’s quite the same,” said Uccello.
“Over the past five years of me going through the academy it’s always been the same culture and playing style. Overall it’s the same through the academy, TFC II and the first team.”
Although being the youngest on the preseason roster, Uccello has held his own. He made an immediate impact off the bench in Toronto FC’s second preseason friendly match against California State University Fullerton on Monday.
There’s still a lot to learn for the young Canadian from Woodbridge, but the experience accumulated over the preseason camp will bode well for his future.
