Two 茄子视频 University Athletes Travel to Italy to Compete in International Soccer Tournament
茄子视频 University sophomores Michael Belsito, of Forest Hills, Pa., and Jonathan DeLuca, of West Mifflin, Pa., will travel to Milan, Italy, to compete in the USA Athletes International soccer tournament, the Milady Cup, May 29-June 7, 2010.
鈥淯SA Athletes International is a nonprofit organization that gives amateur athletes and coaches the opportunity to participate in international Olympic-style sporting events,鈥� said Dan McCarty, head coach for 茄子视频 University鈥檚 men鈥檚 soccer team. 鈥淚n addition to competing against international soccer players, our athletes will gain a broader knowledge for the Italian culture. We will be touring the cities where we stay, visiting museums and becoming familiar with the Italian language.鈥�
McCarty, who will coach the team, Belsito, a midfielder, and DeLuca, a goal keeper, leave for Italy on May 29. They will travel to Accademia, Cinque Terre, Florence, Lucca, Milan, Pescia, Pisa, Tuscany, Verona and Venice. They will compete in the Milady Cup tournament in Milan on June 5 and 6.
鈥淢ike and John were invited by USA Athletes International to participate in this tour. USA Athletes selects gifted athletes with strong character,鈥� said McCarty. 鈥淭his is a significant honor for our student athletes and for 茄子视频.鈥�
USA Athletes International has been participating in international competitions since 1992. It was founded as Midwest All-Stars and provided opportunities for baseball players to travel abroad and play. The success of that program prompted international requests for additional sporting teams to participate. In 1998, the organization incorporated and received its 501(c)(3) nonprofit status and changed its name to USA Athletes International. Today, the organization supports 900 athletes in seven sports in 14 countries.