How did you first realize that Marcell had a talent for football?

As soon as he learned to walk and could stay on his feet, he immediately started kicking the ball back with both feet. By the age of six or seven, he had already started attending football practices, and he kept improving. Looking back, I think those were some of the best coaches he ever had.

How did you feel when he decided to continue his studies and football career in the United States?

The important thing is that it was his decision. Of course, we talked about it a lot beforehand. I think it’s a fantastic opportunity, and he knew from the very beginning that I fully supported him.

What do you think are the biggest advantages of the American college system for football players?

There are so many advantages that it’s impossible to list them all here.

The one I’d highlight most is that the system recognizes that every athlete’s competitive career will eventually come to an end. It encourages student-athletes to pursue their education while providing every possible opportunity to succeed in sports as well.

Studying, attending classes, and taking exams are simply considered a natural part of being an athlete.

Back home, if you’re at a second-division professional team’s training camp in Turkey and ask for a single day off because you have an exam, there’s a good chance you won’t even be invited to the next camp.

Another major difference is that there are no salaries, no managers standing on the sidelines, and it doesn’t matter what your last name is, who your father is, or who knows whom.

What matters is your performance.

How has your son changed since moving abroad?

He regained his confidence, enjoys going to practice again, and he’s happy.

Honestly, just one of those things would have been enough to justify making the move.

That being said, I don’t want people to misunderstand—life in America doesn’t become perfect overnight. It’s a completely different lifestyle and an entirely new environment. On top of that, there are many football rules and aspects of the game that are different from what players are used to in Europe.

There have been difficult days, and there certainly will be more in the future, but those challenges only make him stronger.

What kind of feedback has your son received about American soccer?

The most important message he’s received is that performance is what matters most.

People say that in Hungary as well, but in my experience, it’s only rarely true.

Another major difference is the amount of encouragement and support players receive. He can count on his coaches for absolutely anything—whether it’s football-related, school-related, or even something as simple as a leaking faucet in his apartment.

Our experience back home has been quite different.

In the United States, it’s completely natural to discuss anything with your coaches or professors. In professional football back home, that’s unfortunately the exception rather than the rule.

How do you see your son’s future? What opportunities do you hope he’ll have in sports and beyond?

It’s still difficult to say.

He’s currently in the middle of his scholarship journey, but he’s highly motivated in both academics and football, and he has clear goals.

At this stage, I think that’s what matters most.

What were the biggest challenges during the process of moving abroad, and how did you overcome them?

For many parents, the greatest challenge is accepting that their child will be living alone and solving problems independently.

Of course, every young person handles that differently.

Fortunately, students receive tremendous support from both their coaches and professors, and they can always count on Study N Sport as well.

Another important factor is the community they become part of.

Marci was very fortunate in that regard.

What role do you think Study N Sport played in making Marcell’s American journey successful?

Study N Sport played an enormous role.

Honestly, I can’t think of a single part of the process where they didn’t provide valuable advice and support. They do their work professionally, thoroughly, and with genuine care.

What I appreciate most is that they didn’t just help us get to the United States—they’ve continued to support us ever since.

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank them once again.

What advice would you give to young athletes who are considering studying and competing in the United States?

I’d tell them to contact Study N Sport and go for it with confidence.

The American system supports both athletics and academics at the same time, not to mention that students become fluent in one of the world’s most important languages.

Of course, it’s important to understand that studying abroad also involves financial commitments, and not every family can easily afford them.

Study N Sport helps with that as well by presenting many different scholarship opportunities and helping families find the best possible fit.

It’s also important to remember that not every university is the same, so finding the right match is essential.

As a parent, what is the single most important thing you would tell others whose children are considering a similar path?

Trust your child.

Young people are capable of extraordinary things.

How can parents best support their children through such a major life decision?

I try to do exactly what Marci’s coaches in the United States do.

We talk a lot, I encourage him, I make sure he knows that we’re always behind him, and we help him in every way we possibly can.