Ex-Daggers teenager awarded scholarship after impressing at Soccer Assist trial

Former Dagenham & Redbridge academy goalkeeper John Jancewicz is heading to the United States of America after winning a scholarship at a top university.

Jancewicz was released by Daggers last summer, but has bounced back to earn a place at Harris-Stowe State in St. Louis, Missouri after interest from a number of NJCAA and NAIA universities.

The opportunity came about after the 18-year-old impressed at a trial held by Soccer Assist following his release from Daggers.

Jancewicz has been awarded a full scholarship worth $18,000 which starts this year.

And it seems it was not just Harris-Stowe State who were impressed by Jancewicz, with Soccer Assist director Tyrelle McLeod-Bentley saying: “John is able to easily read and react to what is happening on the field.

“His height (Jancewicz is 6”5’) allows him to be powerful in the air - his other strengths are kicking, shot stopping and reflexes. John is very vocal and organises his team back the back.

“Harris have got themselves the perfect student-athlete. John is a smart lad, very ambitious and he has a bright future ahead.

“We will certainly be tracking his progress and ultimately help him reach the highest level.”