World Cup Inspires North Shore Soccer Players in Tournament

By Paul Kotz, Coach Team Belgium

There is a great deal of excitement this year as Brazil takes center stage in hosting this years World Cup soccer event! Soccer fans and sports enthusiasts alike, come together to watch this incredible tournament that comes but once every 4 years.  

Chicago Futsal Academy (http://www.chicagofutsalacademy.com/) located on Clark and Damen street is hosting their own version of a World Cup tournament that includes youth through adults teams competing for their own WC trophy.  

We decided to share in this same spirit and field a U-8 boys team to compete in the 2 day tournament that takes place June 28-29th 2014 at Futsal Academy's indoor fields. Alongside coach Tom Macina and John FitzGerald, we have recruited 10 players from our North Shore community to participate in this competitive and fun event. Each team takes on an identity of a current qualified nation when competing so we chose to represent Team Belgium.  

Mariano's in Northfield IL has been generous to sponsor our team this year and provide drinks and snacks during this years event. We will represent our North Shore community proudly and do our best to bring the mini World Cup trophy back to our community for the next 4 years!  

If you are a soccer fan or simply a sports enthusiast, please come out and support this fun filled event. There will be TV's displaying all official World Cup games for you to enjoy throughout the day. This year is especially exciting as the USA will be competing as well starting Monday June 16th vs rival Ghana. Go USA!  

Team Belgium: Top row left to right: Coaches Tom Macina, Paul Kotz, John FitzGerald Top row players: Milton Hafron, Leo Clayton, Owen FitzGerald, Noah Capocchi, Mark Belcher Bottom row: Dillon Kotz, Tommy Macina, Charlie Deeb, Michelangelo Siracki, Charlie Wanzenberg (not pictured)