Marmion soccer players embark on trip to Brazil

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Updated: November 11, 2011 12:23AM

In case a teacher gives them the “What I did over the summer” assignment, Marmion’s soccer players should have all the material needed for an A grade.

Coach Kevin O’Connor and the Cadets embarked Sunday on a training trip to Brazil that promises to mix soccer, travel, education, philanthropy and fun over a 10-day span in the northeastern city of Natal. Sandwiched between one day devoted to travel in each direction, the 26-member Marmion contingent — O’Connor, 23 players, one assistant and one parental chaperone — will combine soccer workouts, a couple of exhibition contests and a few cultural lessons with visiting and working at an orphanage.

Looking for an opportunity to experience a different playing philosophy, O’Connor took his initial trip to Natal with 21 players in 2004. It prompted a return in 2007 with 19 players. The current trek is the culmination of four years of fundraising for what the veteran soccer coach describes as an “all-encompassing, truly life-impacting experience.”

“While you can go virtually anywhere to train and play, plus there are a number of opportunities for players to improve their individual skills through camps and clinics from pro teams or universities, I was looking for a different team perspective and even a way for me to expand my base of knowledge,” O’Connor said. “At the same time, from the very start I wanted to combine that with a location for growth individually and educationally through some mission work.”

O’Connor and his players have a major ally in Miguel Delima. One of Brazil’s legendary goalkeepers and once an assistant for NCAA powerhouse Saint Louis University, his Florida-based Delima Soccer Enterprises now assists in arranging playing and training tours to his home country.

The hotel serving as the Cadets’ home base is 220 yards from the Pacific Ocean with enough beach to provide another conditioning and training setting in addition to what the team will do at the stadium and facilities of ABC Futebol Clube — a 2nd Division Brazilian squad whose youth program will provide one of the opponents.

Although the Marmion administration provides no financial support, O’Connor made certain all the i’s are dotted and t’s are crossed with school officials, parents and the Illinois High School Association. The Cadets will use 24 of their 25 IHSA-allotted contact days for the summer.

“It’s open to all the players in our program, from freshmen through seniors, but regardless of the level, everything is spelled out for them including a packing list,” O’Connor said. “Aside from their Marmion uniform, the first item is a journal which they are required to write in daily about their experiences. After that there are limits on everything because we have to include the equivalent of a couple suitcases of school supplies, shoes, plus children’s medicine and vitamins for the Lirrio Dio Vale orphanage.”

This year, the Cadets are also expected to pack their muscles since their fundraising efforts include fulfilling the orphanage’s desire to add a futsal court. In addition to providing some of the funding, the players will help with the construction of the building to house the court.

Growing in popularity throughout South America, the term “futsal” is often translated as “half football” or “indoor football.” Unlike six-a-side indoor soccer in America, there are no walls or boards. While the playing dimensions are similar for width, futsal requires a slighter longer and harder playing surface, which (coupled with a heavier ball) places a greater emphasis on creativity and technique. Each five-player side includes a goalie.

Helping to pay for the bricks and mortar added to the importance of the Cadets’ various fundraising efforts, from an annual pasta dinner to a Cabaret Night featuring Broadway music and singers. Two other major efforts include the sale of gift certificates to Shady Hills Garden and Colombian coffee imported with the help of a Marmion alum.

“It all requires a lot of cooperation and commitment by many families over the years and ultimately, the parents also help with the balance,” O’Connor said. “But I know they share my belief that it’s all worth it. Whether hiking to see some historic sites, or playing some beach volleyball, we get a lot of fitness work in along with our regular training.

“The beach setting itself can be an economic lesson with its many types of souvenirs and shops. In addition to the meals at the hotel, they’ll get to experience a ‘churrascaria,’ which is a traditional Brazilian cookout. They will see some third-world aspects of Brazil as well as a Brazil that is constantly becoming a more modern country.”

Ultimately the Marmion coach is counting on the team-bonding aspects of the trip to pay dividends in the 2011 campaign.

“As the regular season goes on and they run into some adversity, it won’t take much to remind them of what they’ve done together or what they witnessed at the orphanage or in Brazil,” O’Connor said.

“Suddenly it’s very easy to count your blessings and remember the advantages you have, and that’s both on and off the soccer field.”