Daniel Natera and Brandon Gielow measure their soccer dream in miles and money. It’s about 5,000 miles to Rome, Italy and costs nearly $4,000.
These two Villages High School varsity soccer teammates have been selected to play in The GFL Cup. They earned a spot on a GFL U.S. Select Team that will compete against professional European Youth Academies in Rome, June 7-20. The cost is around $4,000 each for the airfare and hotel.
The young players need to raise the money for the trip — and it’s a major financial challenge. Brandon’s mother, Nancy Gielow — and Daniel’s father, Elkin Natera – work as servers in Villages’ restaurants.
“This trip is not for pleasure, but our kids’ futures,” Nancy said. “It’s the first step in their dreams.”
The GFL Cup offers a rare opportunity to play the game on an international stage, and showcase talent in front of pro scouts and coaches. Daniel and Brandon said they were selected from about 250 players who tried out for a spot on the squad of about 22 players.
Now they’re ready for Rome.
“I know Italy is far away, but as soon as I get on a soccer field, it feels like home,” said Natera, 16, who aspires to play as a professional. “Soccer is in my blood and I love this game. I never had a chance like this in my life.”
The same can be said for Gielow, 16.
“My goal is to play college soccer at Clemson, and then play professional,” he said. “This trip is what I have been working for and it can help to be what I want to be in soccer. It means so much to me.”
Both have been part of a success story at VHS, coached by Anderson DaSilva. This season, the team posted a won-17 lost-2 tied-2 record.
Both play for The Villages Soccer Club.
Natera, 5-feet-5, 150 pounds, is an attacking midfielder. He is known for his athleticism and offensive playmaking ability. “Daniel has an ability to make plays and read defenses,” said Elkin Natera, who has coached both boys in youth soccer.
Gielow, 6-feet-2, 145 pounds, is a center back defender. “He has outstanding physical ability, and is able to see the field and make plays,” Elkin Natera said. “Brandon has a real passion for the game and it shows on the field.”
Both have solid grades and are dedicated athletes. Gielow lifts weights for about an hour each day, stretches and then practices soccer at least two hours. And that’s not counting homework for school.
After college and professional soccer, Gielow’s goal is to work for the FBI.
“I want to help people, and I want to protect people,” he said.
Natera, meanwhile, hopes to work as a coach, trainer or in sports medicine after his playing days are over. “I will always be around the game,” he said.
Those willing to donate for Brandon can go to:
https://www.mysoccerdreams.com/brandongielow/
To donate for Daniel, go to:
https://www.mysoccerdreams.com/danielnatera/
