We recently caught up with FirstPoint USA client, Zaid Al Attar. Hailing from Baghdad, Iraq, Zaid now lives in Abu Dhabi and attends Manor Hall International School. Here, the soccer player tells us some more about his sporting background, his reasons for wishing to pursue a sports scholarship in the States, and what he is looking forward to most upon beginning his life as a student-athlete.
Zaid has a keen interest in soccer and tells us he has played for both the German Football Academy and Manor Hall High School soccer team. Throughout his time with the Manor High School team, Zaid tells us, whilst he was team captain, the team won fourth place in the Du National Cup U16, third place in the AL Dhafra Cup U16. As well as this, Zaid won the third best player award in the AL Dhafra Cup U16.
We asked Zaid to tell us about his favourite sporting experience so far. He told us, “My favourite sporting experience was meeting Paolo Maldini; one of the best defenders of all time. I took pictures and played football with him.” Zaid adds that he was given the opportunity to meet Maldini, as he and his team had made it to the semi-final of the Du competition.
Zaid tells us that he was drawn to the idea of pursuing a sports scholarship in the US, as he has always dreamed of being a soccer player, but also wishes to complete his college education. He stated, “I also want to study in the US because there are a large number of good, educational institutions. By being a student-athlete, I am hitting two birds with one stone; I can get the chance to start my professional soccer career, whilst also completing my college education.”
Upon beginning his life as a student-athlete, Zaid tells us that he is most looking forward to proving himself as a soccer player, and enjoying the American collegiate experience.
Finally, we asked Zaid to tell us about his top three sportspeople of all time and why...
“Lionel Messi; he’s my number one athlete of all time because he is an exceptional football player. He can do what no one else can, and can make it look so easy. In my opinion, Messi is the best football player and athlete of all time.
Carlos Poyul and Javier Mascherano; I consider them some of the best athletes of all time because they are my idols. I idolise them because by playing style is similar to theirs, and they have made a lot of accomplishments by helping Barcelona to win a lot of trophies. What I like about them is that they don’t fear anything on the field; they fight for the win and they always give it all they have.”
We’d like to thank Zaid for catching up with us. We’ll keep you updated on Zaid’s progress throughout the scholarship process across our various social media platforms; Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.
Think you’ve got what it takes? Apply to FirstPoint USA today for your once in a lifetime opportunity to head to the States on a sports scholarship:
