Tales from the Elite Summer Camp

At Como 1907’s Elite Performance Camp, ambition met opportunity. For seventeen year old Joshua Swanzy, it was the start of something new.

On the shores of Lake Como this summer, a group of young footballers came together for the first Elite Performance Camp, a two week programme designed to mirror the rhythms and expectations of the professional game. 

Among the group was Joshua Swanzy, the very first to sign up. A forward born in 2008, he had already travelled through the academies of Inter Miami and Nashville SC. For him, Como was a chance to measure himself against peers from around the world, and to experience European football at close quarters.

The final showcase match at Sinigaglia brought an added weight. Scouts were in the stands, and for Joshua it became a defining moment. By the end of the week, he had earned an invitation along with another player to a trial in the Premier League, an opportunity that confirmed his decision to take a leap across the Atlantic. Blu caught up with him on his experience.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you first got into football?
My name is Joshua Swanzy, I am 17 years old, and I play within a professional MLS Academy in the United States. From the moment I first touched a ball, football has been my greatest source of joy. At a young age it gave me freedom and excitement, and that passion has only grown stronger.

What inspired you to join the Elite Performance Program in the first place?
I saw it as the perfect opportunity to take my game to the next level. I wanted to challenge myself, compete at the highest standard, and surround myself with players and coaches who would push me beyond my limits.

What was the most challenging part of the program, and how did it help you grow as a player?
The intensity. Every session was physically and mentally demanding. It forced me to adapt quickly, sharpen my decision making, and maintain discipline every day. That has made me stronger in every aspect of my game.

How did it feel to step onto the pitch at Stadio Sinigaglia knowing scouts were watching?
Unforgettable. Playing in such a historic stadium, with people in the stands watching closely, filled me with pride. It gave me the motivation to show what I could do on an international stage.

Can you describe the moment when you found out you had been selected for a trial?
It was surreal. At first I could not believe it, then the excitement came. It felt like everything I had worked for had led to that point.

How are you preparing, both mentally and physically, for the trial ahead?
Physically I am staying sharp with fitness and technical work. Mentally I am focused on consistency and discipline, reminding myself that success comes from staying locked in on the bigger picture.

Looking back, what does this experience mean to you and your football journey so far?
It has been a turning point. I have returned home with greater awareness, confidence, and understanding of the game. It showed me that I am on the right path.

What advice would you give to younger players with similar dreams?
Be dependable. Show up every day. Stay consistent. Improvement is about daily habits and resilience. Keep the bigger picture in mind and never shy away from the hard work.

Who has been your biggest supporter or role model throughout this journey?
My deepest gratitude goes to my greatest supporters—first and foremost, my unwavering faith in God and the incredible support of my family. They’ve stood by me at every turn of this journey, always motivating, guiding, and believing in me, even during the most challenging times. And Lionel Messi, I had the chance to see him closely during my time at Inter Miami Academy. His humility, professionalism, and dedication were inspiring. It reminded me that greatness is not only about talent but also about character and mentality.

Joshua’s story is still being written. What the Elite Performance Camp offered him, and every player who stepped onto the grass this summer, was the chance to test themselves, to see football differently, and to carry those lessons forward. For Joshua, it was also the first step towards a new stage of his career.