Chicago area youth soccer players compete for chance at trip to Spain to train with Real Madrid
Share this @internewscast.com

CHICAGO (WLS) — A group of the area’s top soccer talents are testing their abilities, aiming for the chance to train with the prestigious Real Madrid club.

Taking to the pitch were dozens of the Midwest’s rising soccer stars are hoping to kick their talents to the world stage.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

“They have an extraordinary opportunity today to try out, showcasing not only their soccer skills but also their character and community impact,” said Pam Nisevich Bede from Abbott.

Healthcare organization Abbott, along with Real Madrid, organized tryouts at Lake View High School for the “Abbott Dream Team,” giving two fortunate athletes the chance to exhibit their talents to some of the top coaches in soccer.

The lucky players selected will have the chance to showcase their skills and learn from Real Madrid through an all-expenses paid trip to Spain, specifically at the club’s official training facilities.

And who better to help guide the up-and-coming athletes and assist in leading tryouts than American soccer legend Clint Dempsey, a former forward for the US Men’s National Team.

Dempsey has these words of wisdom for the young athletes striving for success in the game.

“I think it’s important to not try and be something your not,” Dempsey said. “Do the things that made you fall in love with the game. That will show and give you success.”

The athletes descended on the North Side from across the Chicago area, working through a number of drills.

Elizabeth Semenec came all the way from Cleveland, Ohio. Semenec says this rare opportunity would be a dream come true.

“That is my dream to train overseas and play overseas someday,” Semenec said. ” I am willing to drive for that.”

Others like William Cuozzi from Indiana said training in front of a legend like Dempsey levels the playing field.

“Opportunities like this are terrific for players who may have gone under the radar or not have had the opportunity to begin with. Especially because it’s so accessible. It’s free,” Cuozzi said.

From the North Side to the other side of the globe a goal each of these players is hoping to score.

The two players picked to head to Spain won’t just be able to train with Real Madrid and work with their coaching staff, they’ll also get to attend a Real Madrid match.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Thailand launches airstrikes along Cambodia border as tensions escalate

Tensions Rise: Thailand Conducts Airstrikes Near Cambodia Border

Thailand launched airstrikes along its contentious border with Cambodia late Monday, as…
Maduro’s forces face renewed scrutiny as US tensions rise: ‘A fortress built on sand’

US Tensions Escalate Amid Fresh Scrutiny of Maduro’s Forces: ‘A Fortress Built on Sand

As diplomatic tensions escalate between Washington and the Maduro government, experts reveal…
Neptune Beach mayor defends $5 hourly nonresident parking rate for Beaches Town Center

Why Neptune Beach’s $5 Parking Fee for Nonresidents is Sparking Debate at Beaches Town Center

Neptune Beach is ushering in a new era of parking, following the…
New theory about Chernobyl's blue dogs is disgusting

Uncovering the Shocking Truth Behind Chernobyl’s Mysterious Blue Dogs

Who’s responsible for the blue hue? Stray dogs wandering the Chernobyl exclusion…
FHP: Woman dead, 2 injured following multi-vehicle Jacksonville crash

Tragic Multi-Vehicle Collision in Jacksonville Claims One Life, Leaves Two Injured, Reports FHP

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, a significant accident occurred shortly after…
Marine who was killed in vehicle training accident at California base identified

Identity of Marine Revealed Following Tragic Training Accident at California Base

On Friday, the Marine Corps announced the tragic passing of 21-year-old Private…
Florida teens in custody after 14-year-old girl found shot to death, burnt: sheriff

Tragic Case Unfolds: Florida Teens Arrested in Connection with 14-Year-Old Girl’s Shocking Death and Arson

In a tragic incident in Florida, two teenage boys stand accused of…
Chicago crime: Deparris Slaughter charged with murder, dismembering body, arson after shooting, fire at Lawndale home, police say

Chicago Crime Update: Man Charged with Murder and Arson Following Lawndale Incident, Police Report

A suspect has been apprehended and charged in connection with a gruesome…
Yankees didn’t make formal offer to Devin Williams before he joined Mets

Yankees Miss Out: Why Devin Williams Chose the Mets Over a Potential Bronx Opportunity

ORLANDO — In a notable shift in New York’s baseball landscape, Devin…
Homeless man set on fire sleeping on NYC subway train reunites with son in hospital

Heartwarming Hospital Reunion: Homeless Man Burned on NYC Subway Reconnects with Son

A homeless man, who was set ablaze while sleeping on a Manhattan…
Pretrial hearing for Luigi Mangione to resume Monday after court releases new evidence in CEO murder case

Pretrial Hearing for Luigi Mangione to Reconvene Monday Following Release of New Evidence in CEO Murder Case

NEW YORK — Luigi Mangione, the man accused of murdering a CEO,…
FBI’s renewed push in DC pipe bomb case shows how fresh eyes can change a stalled investigation

FBI Reignites DC Pipe Bomb Investigation: How New Perspectives Could Unlock Breakthroughs

In a renewed effort to solve a long-standing mystery, federal agents recently…