Two refugee students who participated in the soccer program at the Erie Sports Center have received full scholarships to Spire Academy in Geneva, Ohio. 

These students played for 18 months with the Erie Commodores. Attending Spire will continue to open up sports paths for them as they continue to learn and play soccer.

Both players talked about what this opportunity means to them.

"I feel like it's a dream, you wake up and you're playing the game you love, and you get to get an education," Paul Katende, Soccer Player at Erie Sports Center. "It's a big dream for me."

"I thank God for it, and my family too," said Espoir Mayele, Soccer Player at Erie Sports Center. 

Officials from Erie Sports Center say they are proud of both boys and say it's remarkable to see them following their dreams at a young age.