The Villages - July 2017 - 25
"When we returned from our trip, I noticed they were
"We're working on the 2018 Cup now," she said,
more patient with newer players; they complained less and
laughing. "And this year's event has not even happened.
just seemed to have more compassion," DaSilva said.
But we're excited about 2017 because we have a college
In 2012, Pura Sierra joined the club as general
showcase planned this year, where coaches can recruit
manager, with the task of providing support for The
players."
Villages Cup.
Presenting such opportunities to the team is part of his
"The Cup didn't exist at the time," Sierra said.
job, DaSilva said.
"Recreation was not what it is today, with more than 100
"The players bring the talent, but it's our responsibility
kids currently involved. I've seen incredible
to give them the right experiences, putting
growth in such a short time. We're very
them on the right teams with the right
It's special
pleased about that."
because it brings divisions, and making sure they are
Sierra said the Cup, an annual soccer
challenged to improve," DaSilva said.
so much to the
tournament held over Labor Day weekend,
With steadily growing programs, DaSilva
community.
saw 3,000 people in 2015 - its first year.
began pursuing a second soccer dream after
- Pura Sierra
"It's special because it brings so much
the Cup, one that fills a need among postto the community," Sierra said. "Kids can
high school players. He approached Dr.
showcase their skills and meet other kids from all over. For
Maen Hussein with a plan.
such a big event, it's pretty flawless. We have 118 games in
"I could see he was passionate about it, and what he
three days."
said made sense," Hussein said. "We had the soccer club for
Cup competitions typically run concurrent with a
kids, but nothing beyond that."
country's league season and offer amateur teams a chance
DaSilva's initiative was to add a Premier Development
to compete against more prominent teams in the country.
League to the club family, a next-level program with
Sierra believes the Cup is a boon to the area because it
the same mission - to promote the growth of and
spurs activity, allows people to discover The Villages and
appreciation for soccer, and support players with a future in
brings more patrons to hotels and other local venues.
the game.
Preparation for the Cup happens well in advance, and
"I've gained from the community and it has helped me
Sierra admits she has a lot of balls in the air in terms of
grow, so I saw it as an opportunity to give back," Hussein
working out sponsorships, entertainment and other details.
said.
The owners of The Villages Soccer Club, Maen Hussein, M.D., left, and Anderson Silva,
foreground center, are joined by friends, relatives and soccer players as they give a
cheer for the new Premier Development League on Jan. 23, 2016.
MAGAZINE
25
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The Villages - July 2017
Contents
The Villages - July 2017 - Cover1
The Villages - July 2017 - Contents
The Villages - July 2017 - 1
The Villages - July 2017 - 2
The Villages - July 2017 - 3
The Villages - July 2017 - 4
The Villages - July 2017 - 5
The Villages - July 2017 - 6
The Villages - July 2017 - 7
The Villages - July 2017 - 8
The Villages - July 2017 - 9
The Villages - July 2017 - 10
The Villages - July 2017 - 11
The Villages - July 2017 - 12
The Villages - July 2017 - 13
The Villages - July 2017 - 14
The Villages - July 2017 - 15
The Villages - July 2017 - 16
The Villages - July 2017 - 17
The Villages - July 2017 - 18
The Villages - July 2017 - 19
The Villages - July 2017 - 20
The Villages - July 2017 - 21
The Villages - July 2017 - 22
The Villages - July 2017 - 23
The Villages - July 2017 - 24
The Villages - July 2017 - 25
The Villages - July 2017 - 26
The Villages - July 2017 - 27
The Villages - July 2017 - 28
The Villages - July 2017 - 29
The Villages - July 2017 - 30
The Villages - July 2017 - 31
The Villages - July 2017 - 32
The Villages - July 2017 - 33
The Villages - July 2017 - 34
The Villages - July 2017 - 35
The Villages - July 2017 - 36
The Villages - July 2017 - 37
The Villages - July 2017 - 38
The Villages - July 2017 - 39
The Villages - July 2017 - 40
The Villages - July 2017 - 41
The Villages - July 2017 - 42
The Villages - July 2017 - 43
The Villages - July 2017 - 44
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The Villages - July 2017 - 46
The Villages - July 2017 - 47
The Villages - July 2017 - 48
The Villages - July 2017 - Cover3
The Villages - July 2017 - Cover4
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