Young footballer with Vincentian lineage in Villareal Academy

Etch the name Neville Knowles III in your memory, as you may need it for future reference. Knowles III, is a 13 year old American born aspiring footballer (Soccer), whose grandmother is Vincentian, Velma Ambrose nee Abraham. Knowles III is laying the bricks as he aspires to become a professional Football (Soccer) player.
Knowles III, born in Atlanta, USA, is currently on contract with Spain’s La Liga Club, Villareal Academy.

Early Journey

Neville Knowles III

His father, Neville Knowles II, a Jamaican by birth, explained to SEARCHLIGHT last Sunday June 2, 2024, how the aspiring professional’s prowess has captured the attention of coaches, directors, and parents.

“ At age four he signed up to Gwinnett Soccer Academy, (Recreational Component), but it was all a coincidence, as we had actually just meant to sign him in order to get into something to get him developed socially, so we signed up N3 (as he is called), and from the first day he was a hit, as his speed outdid the other kids and he was scoring goals regularly, grabbing the attention of parents, players and coaches,” the senior Knowles told SEARCHLIGHT.

With his abilities constantly developing, Neville Knowles III joined the academy at age six while others joined at seven.

Again, his catch of the eye moments attracted other interested parties and in 2019, Atlanta United invited him to train once per week with their academy.

The father said, “He did that for about a year and a half, and in 2021, he joined the Atlanta Academy and played for the Under-12 team…”.

“He spent a year at Atlanta United and after having discussions with them, they wanted him to stay back a year and play with his age group and I did not feel that was right.”

This proved to be a sticking point, hence, the senior Knowles and his wife Hazel, began looking elsewhere to foster their son’s talent.

Major Decision:

“ I did not see (keeping him back) how that would further challenge him or be in his best interest…,” the senior Knowles continued.

“They didn’t budge, and I wouldn’t budge, so we ended up taking him out of Atlanta United and put him back in GSA, a decision we got a lot of criticism for,” Knowles senior explained.
It was there and then that the exploration for opportunities in Europe began to hatch.

“We started working on his visa application for Spain because we thought there was a greater opportunity for him there…

“ It was believed that if he can go to Europe and play against players who are better than him, then he could make a team within his age group,” Knowles II revealed.

Doors Open:

As fate would have it, Knowles III, who is also adept at Futsal, travelled to Spain in 2022 for a tournament where he earned the Golden Boot award for scoring the most goals.

More doors began opening up for the youngster and in January 2023, at age 11, he joined the International Development Academy (IDA) in a pilot programme, as their stipulation was 14 years and above.

Knowles III went back to Spain and played in the Villareal Tournament with a Colombian team, and there is where the scouts saw him.

In the interim, the necessary paper work was regularized, and the FIFA licenced procured, and at the back end of November 2023, Villareal offered Knowles III a contract that runs until June 2025.

As things unfold, Knowles II has praised his son for his tenacity noting, “ The thing that brings me joy is that he took full advantage of every opportunity…He is the only African American on his team, and is the only English- speaking player on his team, and when the season ended May 26, 2024, he was the top goal scorer.”

Parents’ Joy:

The proud father in relating the attributes of his son, proffered, “ He has always had that passion for the game…he is fast…he is always scoring goals…he understands the tactics of the game”.

Sharing the joy for her son, his Trinidad-born mother, Hazel Knowles commented: “ I am proud of him. Despite his quest to be a footballer, he continues to be an A-student, whilst living a social life like any teenager”.

Hazel, who is providing that motherly support whilst her son makes the transition to the Spanish life, language, and other nuances, disclosed that he is adapting well and he remains focused on his goals.

Hazel Knowles, nee Ambrose, lived for some time here in St Vincent and the Grenadines. She attended the Petersville Primary School and the St Joseph’s Convent, Kingstown and later worked at the National Commercial Bank (now Bank of SVG) before migrating to the USA. She resided at Campden Park and is grateful for the upbringing she received in St Vincent and the Grenadines before migrating to the USA. Hazel quipped, “I make no bones about it. I am more Vincy than I am Trini”.