A pair of Richmond soccer players will be suiting up for a Vancouver academy that will be heading next month to Europe for the San Marino Cup.
Twelve-year-olds Hayden Gaunder and Darien Dosanjh are two of 15 boys that are part of the Excel S occer Academy team. Other players are from Abbotsford, Burnaby, Chilliwack, Coquitlam, Kelowna, Maple Ridge, Mission, North Vancouverr and Port Moody.
Excel Soccer has been participating in this tournament since 2006 and last year's team finished in second place in the B pool, losing in a penalty shoot-out to the Monroe Soccer Club from New Jersey.
The team will spend six days in San Marino for the tournament and the rest of the two week trip touring and enjoying the food and culture of Italy. Players will also get the opportunity to train at the Italian
National training centre and watch the World Cup final while in Europe.
"I'm excited to participate in this great tournament and also see the European youth teams", said Gaunder.
"A trip of a lifetime", added Dosanjh. "I get to play soccer and make friends, while getting to know another culture".
Excel Soccer was founded in 2001 by Tony Pensato, a former professional soccer player.
"Over the years, Excel Soccer has provided opportunities for young Canadian players to travel to the top soccer countries in the world and experience the passion and culture that makes soccer such a great game," said Pensato. "Playing against international teams and travelling through Italy is something the boys will cherish and talk about for the rest of their lives."
