(Pictured left to right: David Abonce, Mark Salas, Jesse Suarez, Paxton Pomykal, Jommar Reyes)
FRISCO - Four FC Dallas U-15 academy players watched the UEFA Champions League semifinals at home this week, but when it comes to the UCL Final, they will be in Berlin, Germany to watch it in person.
Adidas representatives selected FCD U-15 academy goalkeeper David Abonce, defender Mark Salas and midfielders Paxton Pomykal and Jommar Reyes to compete in the UEFA Young Champions International five-v-five tournament the week of the final after scouting them at the 2015 Dr Pepper Dallas Cup Young Champions division. Not only will they be representing FC Dallas and the United States in the fun mini-tournament, but they'll also be on hand at Berlin's Olympiastadion for the final. Vice President of FCD Youth Chris Hayden was picked to fill in as the coach for the team.
“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see a Champions League Final,” Pomykal said. “The experience of being there and the joy and the passion of a UEFA Champions League Final gives you a little bit of fire that you can bring back to your teammates. It’s the best trip I’ll ever go on.”
The players will travel to Berlin the week of the UCL Final and visit the adidas headquarters in Herzogenaurach, Germany before training in the Adi-Dassler Stadium on June 3. The next day the team will tour Berlin before playing in the tournament against Brazil, Japan and Germany on June 5.
U-15 academy coach Jesse Suarez said it’s a great honor to see four of his players make up the six-man roster as they represent the team and the club. He stressed his excitement for his players to watch world-class players firsthand and how it will help their play for the academy team.
“We always push for these type of events,” Suarez said. “The experience is one that you’re not going to get here in the U.S. It’s an international experience.”
Reyes said he couldn’t keep a straight face when his coach told him he’d be going to the UCL Final.
“I had to smile,” Reyes said. “It was unbelievable. I never thought I would go to a Champions League Final. It’s going to be a good experience.”
Hayden said watching a UCL final should be life-changing for his players since they will be watching world famous players compete at the highest level.
“The soccer on the field is going to be valuable, but more so is the chance they get to go and see the final of the Champions League,” Hayden said. “They can’t help but come back and not be better for it just because they’ve seen it.”
