The Villages - July 2017 - 26

It's really incredible to see
these athletes from other cultures
integrate, the connections we're
making and opportunities
we're able to offer.
- Anderson DaSilva

In 2016, the dream was realized when Hussein
and DaSilva added the PDL to the existing soccer club.
Representing 11 colleges, the PDL team has 26 players,
some from the area and others from Brazil, Germany,
France, Serbia, even the Republic of Cabo Verde.
The PDL fosters teamwork, sportsmanship and mutual
respect among players and teams. Hussein and DaSilva
both hail from other countries (Hussein from Kuwait and
DaSilva from Brazil) and have childhood memories of
impromptu soccer games in the street.
"We got yelled at by neighbors; we played anywhere
we could," Hussein said, beaming. "We believe in this
game, put our hearts into it, and we know it can make a
difference in the community."
"It's really incredible to see these athletes from other
cultures integrate, the connections we're making and
opportunities we're able to offer," DaSilva said. "We've
forged a real family."
DaSilva and Sierra recalled a recent social outing at
Brownwood in which players line-danced with Villagers to
the musical stylings of Scooter the DJ.

Anderson DaSilva, Janet Tutt, Pura Sierra & Dr. Maen Hussein

26

JULY 2017

"We have been impressed by the reception in The
Villages," Hussein said. As a physician, he said some
patients want to talk more about soccer than they do about
diseases and medicine.
"Generally, soccer is not a big deal for the 55 and older
population. But we know a lot of veterans who were
stationed outside of the United States and people who
travel and have come to enjoy soccer. We've gotten more
support than we expected, and the players appreciate that.
They are eager to please their fans."
Aside from outpourings of fanfare, there have been
more tangible rewards for young athletes on the team.
Recently, four players who participated in the youth
program received college scholarships. They will attend
Richard Bland College of William and Mary located in
Petersburg, Virginia.
"That was our biggest payoff so far," DaSilva said. "We
consider that a great success."
John Vasquez, a youth player and scholarship recipient,
expressed his gratitude to DaSilva by calling him, "an
angel in his life."
"What a privilege to see players grow up in soccer,
and to help them become disciplined, invested athletes,"
DaSilva said.



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
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