Chelsea Invite Top U.S. Youth Players to Train and Play in London, England
ORLANDO -- Eighteen of America's best youth soccer players, including FC DELCO's own Andrew O'Malley, were named to Disney's Soccer Showcase All-Star Team during a ceremony at Disney's Wide World of Sports.
Disney's Soccer Showcase All-Star Team, comprising of at least one player from each team in the U-16 boys showcase bracket, has been invited by English Premier League team Chelsea Football Club to train at compete at the club's world-class facilities near London.
The All-Star team will compete in the inaugural Chelsea FC Youth Cup in August 2008, which will bring together teams from across the world for an international competition.
"During the last few days at Disney's Soccer Showcase, we have witnessed some incredible young talent in America. Through our rewarding partnerships with Disney and adidas, we are able to bring these All-Stars to London to train and compete at the Chelsea Academy -- one of the leading soccer academies in the world. This international exchange of competition truly celebrates the camaraderie of the world's sport," said Eddie Newton, Chelsea Academy U-16 team coach.
Players were selected based on their performances at Disney's Soccer Showcase, the premier youth soccer tournament in the U.S.
"These players represent some of the best young talent in America and this rare opportunity to experience one of the leading soccer academies in the world will be invaluable in the development of their soccer careers. This is just one of the many ways players who compete in Disney's Soccer Showcase will benefit from our association with the prestigious Chelsea Football Club," said Mike Millay, director of Sports Events for Disney Sports Attractions.
FC DELCO's Andrew O'Malley
December seems to be the month for FC DELCO's Andrew O'Malley. Coming hot off the heels of representing the National Team at the 2007 Nike Friendlies and getting an invitiation to try out for Wilmer Cabrara's Under-17 MNT Residency program, Andrew put in a quality performance managing the DELCO's back line to earn a spot on the inaugral team to play and train at Chelsea's world-class facilities in London, England this August.
"The chance to play and train in England is a dream come true," said O'Malley of the opportunity. He continued, "I have to admit that I'm a Liverpool fan but I follow the Premiership very closely and watch 3-4 games every week; Chelsea are a great side." "My younger sister is a crazy Chelsea fan and we have our share of arguments; Now she's my best friend," he added laughingly.
Disney's Soccer Showcase 2008 All-Star team:
Alexander Givens (CASL 91 Elite), Alexander Long (CASL 91 Elite), Dale McDonald (New York City (NY), NY Hota Academy 91, Alexander Sandland (Concorde Fire Elite), Martin Ontiveros (Lonestars 92 Red), Omar Vallejo (Lonestars 92 Red), Wesley Sever (Clearwater Chargers), Antonio Benitez (LAFC), Mariano Gelso (Wellington Wave Premier), Reed Patterson (Sockers FC Chicago), Vitalis Atemafac (Potomac SA Internationals), Quincy Wento (Sereno 92 White), Kevin Cope (Michigan Wolves 92) , Andrew O'Malley (FC DELCO 91 Academy), Thomas Allott (Vardar Academy), Christopher Nieto (Solar 92), Sean Cote (Solar 92), Matias Alves (Kendall Soccer Coalition White).
