Giving Back to the Game

Cumberlands men's soccer team celebrates the game and giving back to youth in need during recent trip to Brazil

By Paul Neto, University of the Cumberlands Men's Soccer Coach

Posted 09.22.06

The University of the Cumberlands (Ky.) Men's Soccer Program continues to strive to give its players the best possible chance to succeed on and off the field. During the month of August both varsity and junior varsity teams traveled to Brazil for eight days of pre-season training. The idea was to expose the players to the game in a whole new perspective while offering them a soccer atmosphere difficult to breathe anywhere else in the world.

During this period the team went through intensive training and played four competitive matches against U-21 academies and professional teams, holding a record of 0-2-2. This series included a game against AD Sao Caetano, a first division team in the Brazilian National League, and former finalist of the prestigious Copa Libertadores da America or South-American Cup.

Off the playing field, the players had the opportunity to watch a professional soccer match featuring SC Corinthians, one of the most popular teams of the country and current league champion. That game drew over 20,000 people to the stadium. Also, the team visited Santos FC stadium and facilities. Santos FC is the club where Pele, arguably the best soccer player of all times, was formed and played for. The club honored Pele with a gallery that features all his accomplishments with the club and the Brazilian National Team. This visit was certainly one of the highlights of the trip.

Brazil is without a doubt one of the soccer powerhouses of the world, mostly due to the abundant talent spread throughout the country. Soccer is deeply rooted in the Brazilian culture, and due to the economic instability and lack of job opportunities in the country, it is the only way out of poverty for millions of kids in the nation. Kids quit school on a regular basis to pursue a career in soccer. These kids struggle with the most basic things such as proper food and clothing. Soccer gear therefore is a luxury that only a few can afford.

Conscious of that, the UC Men’s Soccer Program found a way to give back to the game and to the country that so well hosted them for a week. Each member of the soccer team collected a case full of soccer gear (shoes, shin guards, jerseys, etc), and once in Brazil, all donations were distributed to the needy kids from the soccer academies UC played against, as well as to local charity institutions.

The UC Men’s Soccer program plans to return to Brazil in 2008 for another week of pre-season training and a lifetime of memories.

To learn more about the Cumberlands Men's Soccer Program click here.