Two Cranston Kids Kicking for the Revs

Cranston residents Danny Apajee and Rainer Randell, Jr. hope to someday play professional soccer. The teenagers’ dreams may be a little closer to becoming true now that they’re participating in the Revolution Academy, the training program of the New England Revolution.

In his second year with the Revs, Apajee plays for the Under-16 Team. Randell, who joined the program this year, plays on the Under-18 Team.

“We like Danny’s progress at this stage and look forward to more from him as he matures physically,” said Bryan Scales, director of Youth Development and head coach of the Under-16 Team. “We’ll have a better idea of where Rainer stands within the group as our season progresses, but we expect him to compete for a spot in the line-up.”

One reason the Revolution took notice of Apajee and Randell was because of their development as players at LaSalle Academy.

Apajee started several varsity games for the Rams last year as a freshman. Randell was named All-Division the last two years, as a sophomore and a junior.

“The soccer program at LaSalle has helped me become a stronger player, not only physically, but also technically,” Randell said.

The two players also honed their skills with the Black Watch Premier soccer club, prior to joining the Revolution Academy. Apajee played for Black Watch for four years and Randell for three.

“Both players were scouted and tracked through their club team and high school team,” revealed Scales.

Apajee had his first experience with the Revolution in 2009.

“Along with a few other players, I was invited from time-to-time to train with the current U16 team,” recalled Apajee. “I attended the tryouts and was very lucky to be offered a spot as a full-time player.”

Playing among many talented players, Apajee managed to stand out. So much so, he was asked to display his skills on a national stage.

“I was selected to the U14 U.S. Soccer National Training Camp in 2009,” Apajee said. “Over the past year, I have been selected by Coach Scales and U.S. Soccer scouts to five U.S. Soccer national training centers, along with several other players from the Revolution.”

Randell joined the Revolution later in his career, but was just as excited to be a part of the program.

“A friend of mine who was already on the team mentioned me to the staff,” said Randell. “They invited me to come to a training session as a guest player. After the first session, I was invited back to another session and it became a regular thing. After a couple of weeks, they asked me if I wanted to join the U18 team. It has been a milestone of my life to join a team full of such outstanding players.”

Following high school, both players hope to continue their soccer careers in college. Randell hasn’t chosen a school yet, but he would like to study sports medicine, physical therapy or kinesiology.

In the meantime, Apajee and Randell will try to win a state championship at LaSalle and learn as much as they can about the game from the Revolution staff, an experience that may bring them one step closer to one day turning pro.