Ever since nine students in 2005 formed a soccer team the first organized sports team overseas to represent Pepperdine soccer has been a tradition in the Florence International Program. But this year’s Florentines pushed the competition to the next level as they are the first Americans to compete in the Italian league “Calcio a 7.”
“We’d like to show Italy that they’re not the only ones who can bring the heat said sophomore Brendan Fereday.
The boys’ soccer team, Real Pepperdine, was born in fall 2008 with 14 players. The team survived the harsh winter of the Italian soccer season, winning victories in a 5 v. 5 tournament against other U.S. study abroad programs and a few local Italian teams.
In their first game, Real Pepperdine beat University of Michigan 7-0. They also defeated a Florentine team, 7-6, in overtime. The Pepperdine team won the prize of a free large pizza at the end of the season when they defeated the combined California State school team – Cal Poly, San Diego State and other California State schools – 3-2.
Winning the tournament launched the team into stardom and they joined the 7 v. 7 Tuscan region league, Calcio a 7.” With eight games to go so far the team stands with three wins and five losses.
“We’re a hardworking spirited group of guys who put our heart into the game and want the best for each other Fereday said. We’re just out there to have fun represent our country and Pepperdine.”
Although the Pepperdine players just met it does not mean they lack experience. Most of them played for their high school varsity soccer teams and Evan Ingwers the captain played in Europe during summer in high school. “The league is very competitive and includes teams with matching uniforms some with coaches and all teams who have been playing together for several years Ingwers said. Our group had solid experience for such a small numbers of guys.”
But the real behind-the-scenes actor is Elizabeth Whatley director of the Florence program. Members of the team said they would not be anywhere without her help. She discovered the “Calcio a 7” league signed the players up organized their practice times so that they would not conflict with classes and promoted school spirit by cheering at every single game. She said she is Real Pepperdine’s number one fan – but the students in the Villa are just as enthusiastic.
Some students said they also enjoy supporting the team at the games.
“It’s a great way to get an authentic Italian experience said Florence student Melanie Sollit. It’s fun to go cheer for the boys and it’s been such a good bonding experience.”
Whatley and the Florentine students said locals in the league have been accepting of the Pepperdine team. Students said they have enjoyed the chance to get to know the Italian players and hold post-game talks ranging from President Obama to their favorite type of pizza.
There seems to be no shortage of team spirit in the Villa.
“We are so spirited we even sing the [Pepperdine] fight song!” said sophomore Katie Suriyatip.
The soccer experience has helped bring the Pepperdine community together and put them face-to-face with the Italian culture in a competitive environment according to Leonardo Lastilla Italian and Humanities professor in Florence.
“It is a great opportunity to be part of the Italian life said Lastilla, who also plays on the team. It gives an identity to the group; brings unity and a common purpose. The main thing is to do something Italian and interact with the Italian people.”
Though former Florentine students back in Malibu are happy to hear about the team some of them have been a bit worried about the level of competition.
“It’s cool to have a soccer team there it’s a great way to understand the Italian culture said junior Shaun Lillard who studied in Florence in the summer. I wish them the best of luck … and I hope they won’t get killed.”
Another student said he hopes the locals are accepting of their new American competitors.
“Some Italians are not too stoked on change … so I hope they are accepted well said junior Julian Tooma who studied in Florence in fall 2008.