One and a half years ago Tyrese Pierre (16) came to The Netherlands to further develop his football skills at FSG Academy in Apeldoorn, while getting an IB education at Rivers International School in Arnhem. Now he has been offered the opportunity to play with the national team of Trinidad and Tobago to qualify for the Under 17 Fifa World Cup.

“Europe is generally considered the best place to develop yourself in football, so my parents looked around for a good place where I could both study and play football at a high level. Sports Academy FSG offered this opportunity by working together with Rivers International School Arnhem, where I can study for my IB diploma in three years instead of two.”

Balance

Combining his training sessions at the football club WSV Apeldoorn and his school work was not always easy. “It took me about six months to learn how to balance sports, school and social life. I got a lot of help with that from my tutor at Rivers who taught me how to schedule and plan ahead. At home I never did that, my parents used to do it for me. Being more responsible and balanced actually also improves my performances on the football field, because it makes me feel organized and focused.”

Qualifiers vs. IB exams

Coincidentally, the qualifying rounds for the U-17 Fifa World Cup in Florida take place at the same time as the IB-DP exams in May 2019. Tyrese, who will be sitting for these exams as well, can fortunately do them at another IB school in Florida. “It will be a busy period, but I am confident I can combine the two things. After all, ever since I came here, it is all I do: play football and study.” Tyrese is also hopeful about the tournament: “This year we will have a bigger chance than ever to compete in the World Cup because there are more spots to qualify for. It is a great opportunity for me: playing for the national team is like playing football on a stage; there will be many scouts looking for talent.”

Athlete Friendly Education Centre

Rivers International School is an officially accredited Athlete Friendly Education Centre. International Baccalaureate and World Academy of Sports work together to promote schools, universities and others that support athletes to become Athlete Friendly Education Centres to support student athletes to achieve both their education and athletic goals.