It would be easy to overlook a player standing one inch short of five feet and weighing in at less than 95 pounds. Especially when he is competing against opponents who are older, stronger and faster.
But Dynamo Academy forward Bryan Salazar is proving that physical stature is not necessarily an all-telling indication of ability on the pitch. The 13-year-old striker caught the eye of program directors last August at a Dynamo Academy Elite Camp, which has served as a means of selection for several of the academy's young players.
Salazar improved his technique through competitive drills and scrimmages during the program and established a reputation as one of the top athletes in his division, earning a position on the Dynamo Academy's U-15 team. Competing in an age group a tier above his own, the Texas Premier player has excelled against players that are physically more mature, although the successes have not always come without a price.
"In the beginning it was very tough, but I have gotten used to it," Salazar said. "It helps me a lot playing with the bigger guys. After getting used to playing with older players, when you get to your age group, you are stronger and physically better."
The youngest player on the U-15 team, Salazar delivers high-intensity effort during Dynamo Academy practices and has used his new knowledge to raise his game to a new level. The young athlete said academy practices have given him a stronger understanding of the game and its flow, citing his improved positioning as an example.
This awareness has allowed Salazar to not only become an improved forward, but a better teammate as well. He is more conscious of making runs into open space, a trait needed for any strong goal-scorer. Salazar's movement without the ball has also opened up room for other players to create finishing opportunities.
The Hodges Bend Middle School student and his Dynamo Academy teammates will stay active this summer with a contest in El Salvador and a home-and-away series with FC Dallas' academy. The trip south of the border will not be Salazar's first international voyage, as he previously logged minutes with the Dynamo Academy during its trip to Guadalajara, Mexico last February.
Salazar received significant playing time at the front of an attack that battled against academy programs from Atlas, Chivas and Chivas San Rafael. Even though a reputable Chivas squad dimensionally out-measured the majority of the visiting Americans, Salazar possessed the poise and confidence to approach his opponents head-on.
"You just have to believe in yourself," Salazar said. "I always tell myself that I have to beat this guy and score the goal. The confidence pushes me to succeed on the field and pushes me to score the goal for my team."
His self-assurance is accompanied by an aggressive style of play, despite the fact that the majority of his opponents may be older or stronger. This mental toughness and dynamic approach is fueled through steady focus, an aspect that Salazar emphasizes as an integral piece of his competitive nature.
Salazar's competitive spirit in soccer is also rooted in a pure love of the sport, a passion that drives him to train six days per week, either with one of his teams or individually. He enjoys the motion and speed of the game, especially when the rhythmic play is capped with the ball finding the back of the net.
In the same fashion, the forward's respect for soccer holds true for professional players, as he mentioned the fluid playing style of Dynamo standout Dwayne De Rosario. Salazar noted the midfielder's quick distribution and his ability to find the open man.
Salazar plans to hone these attributes to one day achieve feats similar to De Rosario, such as etching his name on the Dynamo's first team roster and representing his country during international play.
If Salazar consistently pursues the beautiful game, Dynamo Director of Youth Development James Clarkson believes that Salazar can capitalize on his opportunities just as brilliantly as when his right-footed blasts hit the nylon.
"Bryan has adapted to the demands of the academy," Clarkson said. "For somebody so young, he has a great amount of potential. If he continues with his development, we hope to see Bryan one day competing with the Dynamo first team."
For more information on Dynamo Elite Camps or the Dynamo Academy, visit the player development system website.
