Returned Myrtleford star Fletcher Caponecchia says his time in the American college system has taken his game to the next level.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Caponecchia was back in the Savoys team on Sunday and should be with them for the remainder of the AWFA season.
The 20-year-old was thrilled to be back among family and friends, especially after going through hotel quarantine, but feels his decision to go Stateside is one of the best he's ever made.
"I love the culture of it, how they merge academics and football together," Caponecchia said.
"It's unreal and I'd recommend it for anyone. You're also playing with like-minded people from all over the world, people who want to play the best football they can - and get an education of course.
"I think I've really grown under that environment."
Caponecchia and Jack Milford, who is also back from the US to bolster Myrtleford's title chances, spent time with Murray United but going overseas offered broader horizons.
"I just wanted to try something different," Caponecchia said. "I looked at my options here in Australia, after playing NPL, and I didn't know where I could take my football any more.
"I saw the opportunity to head over there, get an education and play some football and thought I'd be silly not to at least give it some consideration."
A typical day at WVU Tech in West Virginia illustrates just how seriously college sport is taken.
"I have classes in the morning to midday and then about 4-5pm we'll head over to the change rooms, do a bit of video analysis and go out to training," Caponecchia said. "We're back in having dinner about 7.30-8pm depending on if we have a big game coming up.
"There are some close games and some that are four hours away, that's just the way it is. On those days, you can't go to your classes but you have an academic pass for that sort of thing.
"You travel to the game, play and then you're back in doing your study, staying up until 1am doing your assignments."
Caponecchia's physicality and range of passing will give Myrtleford a huge boost as they bid to chase down Albury United and Wangaratta at the top of AWFA.
ALSO IN SPORT:
The midfielder came off with a hip injury towards the end of Sunday's game against Albury City but was still beaming after helping the Savoys to a crucial 2-1 win.
"It's amazing, honestly," he said. "This is my home club, I started playing here so to be back amongst it, I couldn't ask for a better start.
"It was a little tough, just coming out of quarantine. I felt a little bit under-done but playing with the boys,playing with some of my best mates, Tom Laspina, Jack Milford, my brother Connor, they're special moments for me.
"I'm looking to head back around January time so I could potentially be here for the remainder of the season."
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
- Bookmark https://www.bordermail.com.au/
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter: @bordermail
- Follow us on Instagram @bordermail
- Follow us on Google News