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Community Corner

Playing Soccer, Seeing the World

Two Orono boys got to share their love of soccer with players around the world at a summer tournament in Italy.

Spencer Overturf and Brandon Hunt, both 14, competed in the Italia Cup in July.  The Italia Cup is held in Rimini, located on the Adriatic Sea.

“No matter what language the players spoke, they all were there to play the game they love- soccer,” said Hunt's mother, Diana.

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The boys play for MapleBrook Soccer Association’s U14 C1 summer team, which was one of 18 teams in that age group that were selected for the international youth tournament. 

The MapleBrook team raised money for the trip by raking leaves, selling raffle tickets, and hosting a spaghetti dinner and silent auction.

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At the Italia Cup, they played teams from Italy, Belgium, Denmark and Slovenia, and finished in the middle of their age group.

The boys met teams from other countries, although many of the players didn’t speak English.

“We exchanged pennants before each game with most of the teams,” said Hunt, who plays defense/forward. “Denmark even came to one of our games versus Slovenia to cheer.  They were cheering ‘Go Minn-e-sota!’  That was pretty cool.”

The boys noted the intense popularity of soccer in other cultures. 

“Soccer is like a religion,” said Overturf, who plays center midfield.  “They are crazy for their futbol.”

“Soccer is a lifestyle, not just a sport,” added Hunt.  “One of the other European teams we played was banned from the playoff rounds when another team protested and their passports were pulled.  They actually had four players who were 16 and 17.  They were there to represent their country, and they were there to win.”

When they weren’t playing soccer, the teammates toured Rome, including Vatican City and the Colosseum. 

“We also went to Montecatini, a place famous for all of its towers,” said Overturf.  “In Milan, we saw DaVinci’s painting The Last Supper, and the San Siro stadium which is where the pro team AC Milan plays.”

“Our hotel was across the street from the Adriatic Sea so after games, we headed to the beach,” said Hunt, whose family traveled with him.

The teens enjoyed Italian cuisine, from pasta to gelato.

“The pizza in Italy is way better than any pizza I have ever had,” Overturf said.

“Most meals were three or four courses, something I’m not used to,” said Hunt. 

After the tournament, the boys took a short break and now are back on the field.  Soccer is a year-round sport for them.

Camaraderie is key to Overturf, who started playing soccer at age three.  “I really like meeting new people from teams,” he said.

Parents appreciate the benefits of the sport too.

“Traveling to other states, and now internationally, has helped Spencer build a strong friendship with his teammates,” said his mother, Diane Overturf.

“Brandon has learned that soccer is a team sport and a player must rely on every other player on the field,” said Diana Hunt.  “Players build trust, camaraderie, and friendships with players from many other teams.” 

In their free time, both enjoy watching professional soccer.

Overturf admires Barcelona soccer star Lionel Messi. “He is one of the most unselfish players,” said Overturf.  “He really just plays soccer because he loves it, not for the money.”

Hunt’s favorite team is Real Madrid and his favorite player is Cristiano Ronaldo.

This fall, Overturf will be in eighth grade at Orono Middle School.  He is the son of Allen and Diane Overturf.

Hunt will be a freshman at Orono High School.  He is the son of Dr. Allan and Diana Hunt.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I forgot to add that Spencer’s action shot was MPB vs Slovenia, and Brandon’s shot was MPB vs Italy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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