Every 2 years, the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) holds their National Games — a week long competition and celebration of soccer. This year, for the first time ever, a team from Belmont-Redwood Shores has been invited to participate. The Belmont Fusion is one of only 14 Under-10 (U10) girls teams selected to participate alongside teams from across the United States. This year’s tournament was all the more special as it coincided with the World Cup and the positive showing of the U.S. National Team.
The tournament was held from July 4-11 in Palm Beach, Florida and was an amazing week of all things soccer. Kicking off with “Soccerfest”, each of the girls was shuffled onto new teams playing with girls from all over the U.S. The girls established new friendships, had fun pin trading, and got to experience working with new players and coaches. The remainder of the week was spent with the Fusion competing against teams from Hawaii to Illinois to New York. The team acquitted themselves very well and the girls were impressive both on and off the field.
The Fusion, coached by Eric Ravaglia and Matt Parks, was formed in November 2009 and have been diligently practicing every week and participating in local leagues throughout the winter and spring. In addition to the hard work on the field, the girls worked hard off the field, holding several fundraisers to assist the team for their Florida trip. Funds were used for new team equipment, including new cooler uniforms that helped quite a bit in the 100 degree Florida sun!
The team is made up of ten 8 and 9 year old girls who played AYSO soccer this past fall season. Of the ten girls on the team, three are Redwood Shores residents — Brooke Seim, Kyla Parks, and Alexis Eliopoulos. Brooke and Kyla are entering the 4th grade at the new Redwood Shores Elementary School, while Alexis is entering 5th grade at Sandpiper Elementary.
The team would like to thank the local community for all their support in the run-up to Florida. The team is especially appreciative of Belmont-RWS AYSO region 108, who generously provided the opportunity, registration fees, and ongoing assistance in fundraising and other activities. The girls returned from Florida with a greater appreciation for the game of soccer and memories that will last a lifetime. Way to go Fusion!