Draft:Wallis Debourou
Wallis Debourou
[edit]Wallis Debourou (born June 18, 1993) is a French-born Beninese former professional footballer who played as a striker. He represented Benin at the 2013 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations and played professionally for Buffles du Borgou FC in the Benin Premier League. In the United States, he competed at the NCAA Division I level for Saint Francis University and Cleveland State University. He is currently the President and Founder of the East Orange Soccer Academy, a youth soccer development organization in New Jersey.[1][2][3]
Early Life and Education
[edit]Debourou was born in Orsay, France on June 18, 1993, but raised in Cotonou, Benin, where he learned to play soccer at a young age. At age 13, he moved back to France and joined youth academies at FC Bourg-Péronnas and Athletic Club de Boulogne-Billancourt.[4][5] Later, he moved to the United States to continue his education and attended Blair Academy, a prestigious private boarding school in New Jersey, graduating in 2012.[6] While at Blair, he played for the New York Red Bulls Academy and Players Development Academy (PDA), both top-tier U.S. youth soccer programs.[2]
College Career
[edit]Debourou began his NCAA Division I soccer career at Saint Francis University in Pennsylvania.[7] He later transferred to Cleveland State University, continuing to compete at the collegiate level.[8]
Professional Career
[edit]Debourou turned professional with Buffles du Borgou FC in the Benin Premier League. He was part of the squad that won the league championship in 2014.[9]
International Career
[edit]Debourou represented Benin's national under-20 team at the 2013 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Algeria.[10] He also earned call-ups to the senior national team following the tournament.[3]
Coaching and Academy
[edit]After retiring from professional football, Debourou founded the East Orange Soccer Academy (EOSA) in East Orange, New Jersey, in 2022. The academy focuses on player development, academic achievement, and community engagement. As President and Head Coach, Debourou leads programs aimed at mentoring youth athletes and creating soccer opportunities.[1]
Personal Life
[edit]Debourou lives in the United States and remains active in coaching and youth development through his academy.
References
[edit]- ^ a b https://www.eastorangesocceracademy.com
- ^ a b https://www.espn.com/blog/high-school/boys-soccer/post/_/id/2888/pda-forward-heads-to-st-francis-pa
- ^ a b https://newsghana.com.gh/benin-squad-for-african-youth-championship-spiced-up-with-local-players/
- ^ https://acbbfootball.fr
- ^ https://fcbourgperonnas.fr
- ^ https://www.blair.edu
- ^ https://sfuathletics.com
- ^ https://csuvikings.com
- ^ https://beninfootball.com/buffles-du-borgou
- ^ https://www.cafonline.com