The Norcross-based United Futbol Academy Under 14 soccer team won the Southeast Region and will compete in the U.S. National Cup in Commerce City, CO on July 19-23. The challenge is that the team has about 10 days to raise $10,000 to cover the trip.
“Many of our families make great financial sacrifices just to play on the team during the regular season,” said team manager Sean Nelson. “Over $700 in travel expenses per child on short notice is difficult.”
“When we won the Southeast Region last week, we had to commit to the tournament within days. Then comes the harsh reality that we have to get the team to Colorado, house them, feed them and get them ready to play,” said Lynn Reves, one of the team moms.
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The team set up a GoFundMe page in hopes of raising enough in donations to help lighten the financial burden. Parents are also committed to get local businesses and organizations to sponsor the trip.
The team of 14-year-old players are mostly from Norcross and Gwinnett County. Tournament Coach Barat Killian said, “The team compiled an impressive 35-4-4 record with their previous coach, winning the Disney Boys Soccer Showcase, the Concorde Fire Challenge and the SCCL Cup. It is an honor to coach and win the U.S. National Cup - Southeast Region with such a hard-working group of young men.” The team continues to practice during the off-season for the tournament at Summerour Middle School.
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Midfielder Dennis Martinez-Sanchez lives in Norcross and is a rising freshman for Norcross High School. “We’ve pulled together as a team all year. I know we will get to Colorado and do our very best,” said Martinez-Sanchez.
“This is a diverse collection of talented athletes,” said Nelson. “They are all brothers on and off the pitch, regardless of nationality, race or economic means. We want this team to have the opportunity to experience this once-in-a-lifetime event!”
To donate, go to www.gofundme.com/f/national-soccer-tournament-fee-for-05-boys.
Or contact team manager Sean Nelson at sean@surgelabs.com.