Last modified Wed., January 10, 2007 - 05:00 PM
Originally created Thursday, January 11, 2007

Mayport Kicks Off All-Navy Soccer

By MCSN Patrick J. Cook, Staff

Sailors from commands around the globe show their soccer skills as they compete for a coveted spot on the All-Navy men's soccer team. The 18-man team will play in the Armed Forces Soccer Championship, January 17th through January 23th. The tournament features the best soccer players from all branches of the military and will determine which players will represent the United States at the International Military Sports Championship. Photo by MCSN Seaman Patrick J. Cook

Naval Station Mayport is hosting soccer tryouts for the All-Navy men's soccer team until Jan. 16 in preparation for the 2007 Armed Forces Soccer Championship Tournament here Jan. 17 - 22.

Forty-two players, in both the Navy and Coast Guard, from across the globe have come to Mayport ready to show their skills and abilities as they try out for the team.

Sailors Rob Carraco, Brandon Bleakley and Juan Juvera are three of the competitors that have become friends through making the team in previous years and are looking forward to another shot at this year's squad.

"Playing on an All-Navy team is a pretty prestigious event," said Bleakley, a Naval Recruiter out of St. Louis. "To make this team means you're the absolute best."

The training camp, which lasts 19 days, will test the 42 athletes' endurance as they workout both during the day and evening. When the camp comes to an end, the player pool will be slimmed down to a mere 18 men.

"To make this team you have to show up conditioned and ready to play," said Coast Guard Aviation Maintenance Technician 2nd Class Chris Lamb. "You can't expect to come out here and compete if you're not physically and mentally strong."

SK3 Sean McGarry, a previous All-Navy and La Salle University soccer player, is utilizing skills he has learned off the field as well, in hopes to make the final cut.

"In order to succeed here you have to have good communication skills and know how to play as a team," said McGarry. "Just like on a ship, it's not just about the skills you posses but how you gel with those around you that allow things to run smoothly."

Once the final team is selected, the players will go on to play in the Armed Forces Soccer Championship Tournament here Jan. 17 - 22. There they will compete against all other branches of service in a double round-robin tournament. Those who excel in the tournament will be selected to play in the International Military Sports Championship (also known as CISM) in Brazil, where they will represent the United States in competition against all foreign military soccer teams.

"I see a lot of good talent on the field and we look to have a strong team," said Coast Guard Lt. Cmdr. and head coach Joe Ponseti. "Deciding who will make the final team is going to be tough."