Waukegan teams win dual US Club Soccer National Cup
Two local teams - one of 14-year-old boys and the other 13-year-old girls - are believed to be the first from Waukegan to win a dual national youth soccer championship.
It was a weekend of great accomplishments for the North Central United Select boys and girls, most of which live in Waukegan.
"It's a great feeling," said Sal Gloria, head coach of the teams. "We tell these kids that if they work hard and do well in school, they can compete at the top levels not just in soccer but in anything in life. This weekend they believed that for themselves."
Gloria deferred when asked to identify some of his star players, instead focusing on what led the team to this victory: determination.
"We can't think because we've won games before, we're going to come out and beat everyone. We come out focused. The players have a hunger to do their best and make the most of these experiences."
Over the four-day tournament, the two teams were undefeated.
US Club Soccer fosters growth and development of soccer clubs throughout the United States, helping the clubs create the best possible environment for their players. The National Cup is US Club Soccer's national championship competition. Teams from five regions across the United States competed in June to advance to the finals in Westfield, Indiana, July 21-24.
Both championship NCU teams are a part of the select travel soccer programming of Heart of the City, a youth development organization based in downtown Waukegan.
"Soccer is expensive. We rely on the community's generosity to make these kinds of experiences happen," said Brandon Massey, Chief Operating Office of Heart of the City. "Our players know this and it makes them more resolute to excel."
The competitive success of Heart of the City's model for its select travel teams is evident: This summer NCU teams made it to US Youth Soccer semifinals in Kansas in addition to the recent national championship wins.
Players from both teams were ecstatic about their recent win.
"This is the best thing! I love NCU," said Bryant Garcia, a left wing on the U14 Boys team.
"Winning Nationals meant everything to me," said mid-right fielder Andrea Aquirre from the U13 squad. "I enjoy playing with all my teammates. They're the best."
"This was an amazing experience," said America Navarro, who plays right center back. "All we've gone through, all the hard work, paid off and we were able to spend time with family and friends."
"Winning Nationals means that all the time parents and coaches took to train us throughout was worth it," Midfielder Valdemar Nambo said. "And we're champions!"
The Julian Grace Foundation of Highland Park recently recognized the organization's belief that soccer is a powerful pathway to youth development by offering HOTC a $15,000 matching grant to ensure its future sustainability.
"This championship highlights what is possible, especially the future collegiate opportunities," Massey said. "Even if it's just a glimpse, we want our players to know that if they continue applying themselves toward personal excellence they can achieve great things."
Since 2014, Heart of the City has provided access to recreational and competitive soccer activities for youth in Lake County. The charitable nonprofit helps its players to become competitive on the field, successful in the classroom, and productive in the community. For information, visit Heartofthecitysports.org or email info@heartofthecitysports.org.
• To submit Your news with one photo, go to dailyherald.com/share. To submit Your news with multiple photos, send it to nbrcalender@dailyherald.com.