One Step Closer to a Dream Come True

Ask most youngsters what they want to be when they grow up, and those involved in sports will quickly share a hope of reaching the ranks of professional athlete. Well, almost-11-year-old Daniel Hilling, a fifth grader in Triad School District, is like those kids in many ways. Daniel dreams of becoming a professional soccer player. So what makes Daniel different from other soccer players who dream of professional play? Daniel will be traveling to Europe this summer to participate in a professional training camp.
Daniel is a member of local select soccer club Juventus PFC, and as such, he and all other competitive team members were eligible for nomination to the club’s Travel Abroad program. Each Juventus coach was able to nominate one team member to a panel committee for consideration. Players were evaluated on several criteria, and Daniel was unanimously selected as the first-ever recipient. When asked why Daniel believed he was chosen, he replied, “Probably the way I act, my attitude.” Daniel was right, but that wasn’t the only reason he was chosen. “Daniel is a very talented young player with the potential to reach the professional ranks. He gives his all at every practice and every game. His grades are commendable, and he is an all-around good kid,” said Juventus PFC owner Nicholas Karidis.
As this season’s recipient, Daniel and one family member will receive an all-expense-paid trip to Athens, Greece where Daniel will attend a professional training camp for one week at the Panathinaikos Football Club Academy. When asked how Daniel feels about the upcoming experience, he said, “Very great. This is the best thing that’s ever happened to me. If I hadn’t joined Juventus, this never would have happened.”
Daniel’s family is thrilled that he will have this opportunity. While he plans to travel with his dad, Matt, step-mom, Carrie, and step-sister, Megan, this summer, Daniel says that his mom Shawnna is one of his biggest supporters and has helped make all of this possible.
Daniel’s excitement over the upcoming camp is evident. Just the thought of attending this camp and being coached and evaluated by professional coaches is overwhelming for this youngster. He says he loves everything about soccer and his goal while in Greece is to learn as much as possible and have fun.

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