skip navigation

DC Soccer Club Boys Travel Teams to Travel to Portugal

By DC Soccer Club Staff, 02/18/23, 6:00PM EST

Share

DC Soccer Club U13, U14, and U15 teams to travel to Portugal with coaches Eddie Lima and Nabayee Tesfu.

WASHINGTON- DC Soccer Club players and coaches are traveling to Portugal for an immersive soccer training experience. The players are comprised of a mix of U13, U14, and U15 boys. Along with the players, two DC Soccer Club coaches, Eddie Lima, and Nabayee Tesfu will attend the trip. Eddie Lima serves as the Director of Coaching and Director of Programs Development for the Club. Nabayee Tesfu currently coaches the DC Soccer Club's Boys U9 and U10 Red teams.

On the trip, the group will attend training sessions immediately. Their first training will be at Campo do Grupo Desportivo dos Pescadores. They will also participate in professional coaching clinics at SL Benfica Professional Academy. The team will play friendlies against Grupo Desportivo Pescadores and Leao Altivo Academy. Along with playing the players and coaches will have the opportunity to see a match between Benfica vs. Boavista. The group will also have opportunities to have a look at areas and cultural landmarks in Portugal, such as Belem, Mosteiro Do Jeronimos, Oldtown Lisbon, St.George Castle, Estadio Da Luz, the Real Massama Training Center, Parque das Nacoes, and more. 

Lima said, “The idea of the trip is to provide a great learning experience on and off the field to our DCSC players. Playing with and against teams from another culture can highlight what soccer means to their community and how that relates to playing back home!" He continued, “I am looking forward to sharing this opportunity with the players. It will be a great cultural soccer experience. Furthermore, I'm excited to watch our DCSC players grow as they gain a deeper understanding of the importance of soccer in other cultures!"

Tesfu said, “This trip is a unique opportunity for the players, parents, and coaches to experience the futbol culture in a country and environment completely different from ours. Futbol in Europe is the gold standard regarding culture, education, and player development. The chance to watch, learn, train, and compete in Europe will hopefully open the eyes of our players and parents to how much the sport can grow back home.” He continued, “I have closely followed the European game and culture for years. To see games, and training sessions, learn from coaches, and have the chance to coach in this environment is a privilege I look to take full advantage of. I look forward to bringing back ideas for youth development progression, team culture, and community building to DC Soccer Club and the Washington, DC area!”