After spending some time with US Le Pontet, Richard Jata has moved on to test his chances with another French squad. Apparently a deal could not be reached, but Jata was advised to stay in France and take another route. The team in question now is AC Arles of Avignon. Since Jata has been out of training for the last few months, the contract he looks to sign would be with their Semi-pro team. I was told that he would train with them for the next 4 months, and thereafter would be signed to their 2nd division team if he shows well. Jata thinks that the training he will endure in the coming months will get him ready to make a run at the AC Arles squad, but if it doesn't work out, he should be in great shape for the start of the 2010 MLS Preseason.In other news, Jata was recently named the 2008-2009 Outstanding Male Athlete for Campbell University, an award that he is extremely honored to receive. During his final season with the Camels, Jata notched 7 game-winning goals in his last nine games and finished the year with 12 goals and 4 assists. He was also named the A-Sun Player Of The Year. Coincidentally, Jata was given the same award as a senior in high school. That year, he led the Ridgewood Rams to a 17-3-4 record and a #5 ranking in Florida. Jata led the team in scoring with 33 goals and 17 assists(83 points).
The future looks promising for Jata as long as he remains healthy. The training he will receive in France could help expand his game and make him a solid prospect in the years to come. More updates on Jata's journey overseas coming soon!
