Sky Soccer readies for national stage in Salt Lake City

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – This week, Sky Soccer is preparing to compete in the Youth Soccer National Championships in Salt Lake City, Utah.

One characteristic helped the U14 boys team win the Kentucky State Cup and they plan on relying on it again to win in Utah beginning this Thursday.

“ Love,” head coach Tito Nsungu said. “We have love for each other and I always push these boys so that they’re reaching the level that they can to succeed.”

It’s been decades since Sky Soccer sent a team to nationals, and this year they get to send not one, but two teams.

The U16 boys team also received a bid to nationals after finishing as state cup finalists, but it was U14 that won the cup after dominating from start to finish.

“I’d say the main reason we did it was mainly through our teamwork and our dedication,” U14 player Eli Willingham said. “Just showing up every day and just trying to work together better as a team.”

That discipline is what’s gotten these boys this far into the season, and it’s what their coaches remind them of every practice.

“Without discipline you cannot do anything,” Nsungu said. “I always preach that to them every day. We are one. What we bring here is a togetherness, so that we can go forward.”

Despite being young, this team is aware of how long it’s been since Sky Soccer has earned the chance to compete at a high level, and they plan on not only winning, but bringing honor to their hometown.

“I’d say I’m extremely excited right now,” Willingham said. “It’s just an amazing opportunity to represent my community. I’m stoked, and I’d say the team feels the exact same way.”

“I think it’s amazing for them,” Nsungu said. “I know that  they will learn a lot through this and will get more experience. I think that we will show our true character from Bowling Green. We are going to represent the town out there, and play every game like a final.”

U16 boys begin group play Monday, July 13, while U14 boys begin Thursday, July 16.