They're talented and dedicated individuals, and they deserve the opportunity.
That's what coach Saibo Talic says of 100 Mile House soccer players Reid Davidson and Masen Fernandes, as the Grade 9 Peter Skene Ogden Secondary School students prepare to tour around Europe with other British Columbia soccer talent from March 21 to April 2.
The trip with the European Football School, based in North Vancouver, will see 30 players from B.C. visit six countries – Germany, Austria, Croatia, Slovenia, Italy and Switzerland – and play exhibition games as part of different teams made up of players 14 to 16-years-old.
Reid and Fernandes attend almost every soccer camp he runs throughout the province, Talic says.
He adds it will be great for them to experience the level of soccer played in Europe.
“We will try to really compete with them. It will be a big challenge for our boys.”
Fernandes says at a recent soccer camp in Quesnel, Talic explained to them it's a different game over there.
“It's going to be way more physical and quicker. I'm really excited.”
It's a great opportunity to see and experience different cultures, the coach adds. And they'll be taking in some professional soccer as fans, too.
Davidson says he thinks the atmosphere there should be amazing.
“I'm kind of not believing it. It's a really cool thing to be a part of.”