Soccer superstar Ronaldinho pays a visit to Elgin
The Next Level Soccer Camp for kids ages 6-16, held on Judson University's Elgin campus, was alive with excitement Friday when soccer great Ronaldinho Gaúcho paid a visit to Lindner Fitness Center.
More than 200 campers, parents and community members gathered for a glimpse of the soccer star. Ronaldinho, born in 1980 in Brazil and considered one of the best of his generation, is a World Cup Champion and won the FIFA World Player of the Year award in 2004 and 2005.
The athlete, whose full name is Ronaldo de Assis Moreira, was in the Chicago area for the Ronaldinho Experience exhibition event scheduled for Saturday, June 18, at the Sears Centre Arena in Hoffman Estates.
"To have a soccer player of this magnitude at Judson, it's surreal, and to have him instructing our campers goes beyond anyone's imagination," said Diego Cevallos, head women's soccer coach at Judson. "Ronaldinho has been and still is one of the favorite players to watch."