Coaching
Wayzata High School’s Ares Amani Earns Historic Invitation for Two-Week Tryout with Cruzeiro Esporte Clube in Brazil
Apr
Wayzata High School’s Ares Amani Earns Historic Invitation for Two-Week Tryout with Cruzeiro Esporte Clube in Brazil
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wayzata High School’s Ares Amani Earns Historic Invitation for Two-Week Tryout with Cruzeiro Esporte Clube in Brazil
Plymouth, MN – Ares Amani, a sophomore at Wayzata High School and a straight-A student, has received an unprecedented invitation for a two-week tryout with Cruzeiro Esporte Clube in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Cruzeiro competes in the prestigious Campeonato Brasileiro Série A, the top tier of Brazilian football, and the Campeonato Mineiro, Minas Gerais’s premier state league.
La Liga Select Showcase – Madrid, Spain
This remarkable opportunity follows Ares’s recent selection for the La Liga Select Showcase in Madrid, Spain—an exclusive event where only the top 1% of U.S. soccer players scouted compete to earn a La Liga Academy League spot.
La Liga Select Showcase
The offer from Cruzeiro came with a clear message—it will be an extremely challenging trial, and no international player has ever been considered for a spot in the club’s academy. When asked about this daunting challenge, Ares confidently responded: “I’m up to it and looking forward to the opportunity.”
His determination stems from a legacy of perseverance, having overcome severe injuries—including a double fracture of his lower back and a fractured leg—only to return stronger than ever.
His father, Paris Amani, a former U.S. National Taekwondo Champion, U.S. National Team Captain, U.S. Olympic Training Center Team Captain, and coach of World and Olympic champions, expressed his belief in Ares’s resilience. “Ares is a performer and a tough competitor,” said Paris. “His resolve reminds me of some of the top athletes I’ve had the privilege of training.”
AspirePerformAchieve.com
Beyond the field, Ares is also an entrepreneur. At just 12 years old, he founded Aspire Perform Achieve (www.aspireperformachieve.com), a company that creates innovative NFTs, museum-quality prints, and apparel that capture the raw emotion and defining moments of elite competition.
“We create innovative NFTs, museum-quality prints, and gear that capture the raw emotion and unforgettable moments of elite competition. These aren’t just designs—they’re real moments from the field, where dreams are fought for and courage is tested."
"As an athlete who’s faced my own challenges, I know what it means to push through adversity, and I want my art to reflect that journey. I’m tired of the generic, clip-art designs that don’t honor the heart and grit it takes to achieve greatness."
"My work starts with my own story, but it’s about celebrating your journey too. When you support Aspire Perform Achieve, you’re backing young 'Achievers' who share your passion for turning dreams into reality.”
“As an athlete who’s faced my challenges, I know what it means to push through adversity, and I want my art to reflect that journey,” said Ares. “I’m tired of the generic, clip-art designs that don’t honor the heart and grit it takes to achieve greatness. My work starts with my story, but it’s about celebrating your journey, too. When you support Aspire Perform Achieve, you’re backing young ‘Achievers’ who share your passion for turning dreams into reality.”
As Ares prepares to embark on this once-in-a-lifetime journey to Brazil, his story inspires young athletes everywhere—proof that resilience, dedication, and passion can turn dreams into reality.
If you want to support Ares’s journey, please consider purchasing a commemorative shirt. Thank you.
