Local youth soccer stars compete in Colombia

The Island Now

Five young Long Island soccer players recently traveled to Bogota, Colombia to take part in AC Milan’s Copa Americana soccer tournament. The players were invited by the world renowned soccer club after the success of the Italian Soccer Training Exchange Program camp held this past June in conjunction with the Town of North Hempstead.

The tournament took take place during the week of Oct. 7, and hosted International Milan Junior Elite teams, premiere Colombian youth teams, and selected participants of the Milan Junior Camps from North and South America.

Three of the five selected players attending the Copa Americana tournament reside in North Hempstead. They include Shawn Chacko of Manhasset, Luca Lewis of Port Washington and Anthony Bileddo of Carle Place. The two other Long Island representatives were Jonathan Sinclair and Justin Weiss of Syosset.

In Colombia, the players shared experiences and stories while participating in cultural activities and training sessions with their AC Milan coaches. The week culminated with the Copa Americana, a three-day soccer tournament where the Milan International Milan Junior Elite and Milan Junior Camp teams were challenged by the playing style of the South American teams.

During their stay in South America, the players were scouted by A.C. Milan and may be invited to participate in the Junior Milan Elite Program, the next step in the professional soccer recruiting process.

The Town of North Hempstead expects to host more Milan Junior Camps next summer on Long Island so participants will once again have the chance to be invited to participate in international events.

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