BENSALEM, Pennsylvania (WPVI) — The Yardley Makefield Football 2010 Boys United Premier team are training for the biggest moment of their footballing lives.
After winning four games in the national league, YMS will compete in the 2024 USYS National Championship next week in Orlando, Florida.
“We're excited and we're ready to play,” center midfielder Max Garner said. “We've been practicing hard and we feel like we deserve to play.”
The team practiced Thursday at Holy Ghost Prep Field in Bensalem.
The 18-member team will travel to the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex this weekend.
“The guys did a great job. We had to win four games,” YMS head coach John Greaves said. “We're looking to finish in the top 16 in the country.”
“This is the best of the best and we're right at that level,” assistant coach Timothy McGlinchey said. “I'm looking forward to leading these boys to the top.”
The 14-year-old boys credit much of their success to Coach Greaves.
He spent many years as a professional soccer coach in England before moving to the United States and leading YMS for the past 20 years.
“That's just what I've done here,” Greaves said. “Discipline, integrity, effort, all those are values you need to play well. I know how hard it is. You just have to keep the guys excited and motivated.”
Greaves said he was proud to have witnessed the development of so many football stars over the years and that the players were grateful for his guidance.
“He's always pushing us and teaching us to try harder,” Levin DiCicco said.
“I learned to never give up and to keep trying,” Garner said.
“Honestly, it's an honor to hire someone like him,” McGlinchey added.
The players plan to use their skills, their love for the game and the guidance of their coaches to win and give Coach Greaves, who is retiring this season, his third national championship title.
“I have no plans to leave the United States. I love the area and I love the people,” Greaves said. “If I get the itchy feet come October or November, I'm sure someone will say I've retired more times than Tiger Woods.”
The coaches gave the team some advice before the game: “Give it everything you've got and then some,” McGlinchey said.
“Have fun,” said Mr. Greaves, “and don't leave anything behind.”
YMS will play its first game on Tuesday.
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