Vasco U/11 Football Team Win Games In Azores

April 12, 2023

Vasco da Gama recently took part in the International U11 Football Tournament in the Azores, winning a number of games.

A spokesperson said, “The tournament, organized by Clube União Micaelense based in Ponta Delgada, Azores, was an exciting display of 7-a-side football from 24 teams personally invited to attend.

“The International U11 Football Tournament is one of the largest youth sporting events in the Azores, bringing over 3,000 people to the Azores.

“The Select team comprised Lucas Amaral, Cameron Camara, Julian Hands, Jasper Herrick, Roman Gaglio, Seth Neill, Eben Oosthuizen, Ryan Renaud, Nikolai Shaw, and Austin Viera.

“Vasco da Gama performed well. Our young footballers won their opening game against FC Flamengos. However, they were not so fortunate against Arlander FC of Kazakstan, ACF Pauleta of the Azores, and CAAF Atlântico and SC Campomaiorense, both from the Portuguese mainland. A missed penalty in one game and a disallowed goal in another stood in the way of further victories during the Group Stages. However, Vasco da Gama won both elimination games against EF Minifoot from the Portuguese mainland and GD São Roque from the Azores.

“However, Vasco da Gama is also pleased to note that Roman Gaglio, who played in a striking or attacking midfielder role throughout the tournament, was individually honoured by the tournament organizer as one of the best seven players throughout.

“Germano Botelho, director of the Vasco Youth Program and head coach for the team, expressed how proud he and the coaching staff were of the team.”

Mr. Botelho said, “The boys did a fantastic job during the tournament. The boys experienced football at a level they were not used to, but they stepped up and played beyond their normal abilities. They were able to adapt to the European style and physicality. While missing a penalty and having a goal disallowed disappointed them, they nonetheless gave it their all.

“They held their nerve against teams preparing their youngsters for professional careers. Out of a possible 7 games, Vasco won 3 and placed 17th out of a total of 24. However, this result does not do justice to just how well the young boys played. They gave their all and showed massive improvement between the start and end of the tournament. On behalf of the entire coaching and support staff, let me just say how proud we are of the group.

“I also want to give a special shout-out to Roman for being selected as among of the tournament’s best. He shared this honour with young players from professional academies throughout Europe. This is no small achievement, and we expect great things from Roman in the future. His parents, which includes our Coach Reed, should be very proud.”

The spokesperson said, “Richard Ambrosio, President of Vasco da Gama, who was present at the games, thanked everyone involved.”

Mr. Ambrosio said, “I want to, first, congratulate the team for their performance. Thanks to them and their parents for agreeing to take part and representing the club.

“I also wanted to thank all our coaching and support staff who helped put together the team, who took care of the young players while in the Azores and who helped shepherd them to this result: Germano Botelho, Enio Vieira, Reed Gaglio and Dr Sylvanus Nawab. Their care and concern for the youngsters were evident throughout.

“Finally, a big thank you to União Micaelense for organizing the tournament. In particular, thanks to Mr Arsénio Sampaio Furtado, for the personal invitation to Vasco, and to his team for their meticulous attention to detail. From our perspective as a participating team, the tournament was an unparalleled success.”

The spokesperson said, “This was also such a cultural experience for the young footballers. They got to visit the Azores, which for many was their first time. They met teams from throughout Portugal, the rest of Europe, Uruguay, Canada, Italy, Cape Verde, and the USA. They immediately bonded with teams such as the Sporting Academy in Toronto. They had several pick-up games in Ponta Delgada, including with reigning tournament champions, Bayside FC, from Rhode Island. These spontaneous celebrations of the beautiful game will stick with the boys for the rest of their lives.

“The entire trip also came at a key point in the young footballers’ lives as they grow into becoming young men. While many parents visited the Azores during the tournament, the coaching staff insisted on them being self-sufficient. Being without their parents and learning to work and live with each other is a major secondary objective in Vasco’s participation in this tournament.

“During their time in the Azores, the team was also received by the Mayor of Ponta Delgada at City Hall. Outside of the football pitch, the team visited the picturesque Lagoa das Sete Cidades and marveled at boiling fumaroles in the still volcanically active village of Furnas.”

With other international teams, Sporting FC Toronto [Canada], ACD Maracanã [Cape Verde] and Tri-Town Soccer Academy Connecticut [USA] in front of City Hall in Ponta Delgada

In front of City Hall in Ponta Delgada with [front row, left to right] Richard Ambrosio [President of Vasco], Pedro Nascimento Cabral [Mayor of Ponta Delgada], Manuel Ribeiro Arruda [President of União Micaelense] and Arsénio Sampaio Furtado [Director-General of União Micaelense]