Kip Colvey, pictured in action for Cal Poly, has been drafted in the Major League Soccer Super Draft by San Jose Earthquakes.

Kip Colvey has put himself on the doorstep of professional football.

The New Zealand under-23 international was this week drafted by Major League Soccer franchise the San Jose Earthquakes - selected in the third round of the MLS SuperDraft and 49th overall.

"Its an unbelievable feeling. I am really happy to be drafted by a quality organisation like San Jose. I knew that there had been teams watching during the course of the college season, so I knew there was a chance, but I knew there were no guarantees heading into the draft," Colvey said.

While there are no guarantees that Colvey will be signed by San Jose, the 21-year-old defender will report for preseason training this week and is now effectively on trial with the club.

"Being drafted, I feel like I'm right on the doorstep, and it's always been a dream of mine ever since I was a little kid [to play professional football]. But at the same time I know there is a lot of work to be done in order to make the jump into the professional ranks.

"I am headed up to San Jose where their preseason camp will begin at the end of the week. I will just be training with the team and taking part in any preseason matches until the decision is made to either keep me on board or let me go."

Colvey grew up in the Marlborough Sounds before moving to Nelson where he attended Nelson College and played senior football for Nelson Suburbs, later being accepted into the Asia Pacific Football Academy and relocating to Christchurch for his final years of secondary school.

He then secured a scholarship to California Polytechnic State University where he has been playing for the past four years.

"Being in the States has been a great experience so far. I've really enjoyed my time at Cal Poly. The college game is different to any other, the pace is so quick which forces you to adapt or you are left behind. It has been crucial for my development both as a person and as a player."



Colvey was part of the New Zealand under-23 team that was disqualified from Olympic Games qualification after fielding an ineligible player during the qualifying tournament in Papua New Guinea last year.

"Playing with the under-23s was a fantastic experience, I learned a lot with my time in the squad. Obviously it was disappointing the way things ended but I was very grateful to be given the opportunity to work with the players and coaching staff.

"Obviously its hard to know that the team won't be going after all of the effort that was put into the campaign from everyone involved."

Having also represented New Zealand at the FIFA Under-17 World Cup in 2011, Colvey said his next aim is to push on to the All Whites.

"Every kid dreams of playing for their country and that has always been a goal of mine. Playing for the All Whites would be a huge honour and hopefully I can make that jump sooner rather than later."

Securing a professional contract could help fast-track that dream.







