AGSC’s Amelie Donzo’s Incredible Journey to Professional Soccer at C.F.F Madrid
When Asphalt Green Soccer Club alum Amelie Donzo first started kicking a ball around with her dad growing up around New York City parks, playing on the European stage would have felt beyond her wildest dreams. But as she came to learn, with hard work, passion, and determination, anything is possible.
Earlier this year, Amelie announced her decision to move to Spain this June to begin her professional career with C.F.F. Madrid.
From Asphalt Green to Madrid
Amelie’s journey to playing in Spain began during a summer trip with Asphalt Green Soccer Club. The third game of the trip drew a large crowd, including the youth director for Real Betis Women’s Academy, who noticed Amelie’s exceptional performance. Soon after, she was invited to train with Real Betis for ten days the following January. Although she initially decided to continue school in the United States, this experience opened doors for her future in Spanish soccer.
The opportunity to play in Spain resurfaced when Madrid CFF learned about Amelie through Real Betis. LaLiga scouts saw her play with a semi-pro team in partnership with AGSC and invited her for a trial in Madrid. After a successful ten-day training period in October, Madrid CFF offered Amelie a position on their team. Determined to pursue the opportunity, Amelie arranged to graduate high school early in January to begin her professional soccer career in Spain.
This week, Amelie spoke with us and reflected on her remarkable athletic journey:
How Did You First Get Into Soccer?
Growing up on the Upper East Side, I was always playing different sports, but soccer was the one that stuck with me the most. My dad and I would go to the park with a ball, and I just loved it. My earliest memory was playing in a coed league when I was about three years old. No one expected me to do much, but I ended up scoring a bunch of goals, and everyone was shocked!
What was your first year with AGSC like?
It was a challenge. Before, I was the best player on my team, but when I came here, everyone was good. I wasn’t shining like I had before. But over time, I got better, and I started to love the game even more because of the competition. If I hadn’t faced that challenge, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
How did your first time in Spain shape your game?
Training in Spain was an incredible experience. The style of play is so different from the U.S.—the speed, the passing, the movement. The players are incredibly technical, and they don’t just rely on athleticism. It made me think quicker and play smarter
What did you take away from that experience?
“It showed me how much more I want to grow as a player. Being in that environment made me realize there’s always more to learn, and I want to keep challenging myself to reach the highest level possible.”
How do you feel looking back at your time with Asphalt Green?
I just want to say thank you to everyone at Asphalt Green, for helping me with this opportunity and helping me develop as a player. I don’t think I would be where I am now without Asphalt Green. And I’m really grateful to everyone here.
