After a year of preparations and fundraising the U18 Boys are finally heading to New York to play in the NYC Cup College Showcase which takes place at Randall’s Island located in the heart of the city on July 12, 13, and 14.

This trip started out taking us to Guadalajara to play in the Copa Chivas International tournament but when we discovered that five of the boys could not travel outside the US because of immigration issues we had to re-route our trip. New York is not a bad substitute.

After many plate sales, Krispy Kreme donuts sales, dinners and the many people and companies that have helped us along the way we are now ready to go. On July 10three vans will leave Immokalee and travel to the Big Apple.

I have asked the boys if they are excited but their answers vary from very excited to a very little expression. They have no idea what they are about to see.

Our club has always been about providing experiences to our players, not only on the soccer field but in life, and this is certainly one of the biggest. The chances that these boys will ever do this again is slim to none. Every one of the 18 young men traveling is an awesome individual and as teenagers that they are, they bring part of their crazy world into the picture. This will be an unforgettable trip I’m sure.

This could not have been possible without the help of so many individuals and companies. Friends living all over the US have contributed to our journey as well as so many people here in town. We could never thank you enough. Our job now is to get there safely and represent Immokalee, The Soccer Pit Cobras, and Florida.