It’s not every day that you get to stand on the same field as some of the most elite players in world football. But that’s exactly what happened for dozens of Sol SC players and coaches this summer as they were invited to participate in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™, hosted right here in Central Florida.

From serving as ball crew to coordinating logistics behind the scenes, our families didn’t just attend—they became part of the show.

A Call That Changed Everything

Back in early June, we received a call that would set everything in motion: FIFA needed help organizing and managing the Ball Crew for six matches across two stadiums, Orlando City Stadium and Camping World Stadium. The request wasn’t small. They needed kids to work the sidelines, adults to serve as credentialed chaperones, and a team that could handle coordination with professionalism and care.

Without hesitation, we said yes.

Not only was this a chance to support the global game, but it was also an unparalleled opportunity for our players and families to see soccer at its highest level, from the inside.

What Is the Ball Crew?

For those unfamiliar, the Ball Crew is a vital part of professional match operations. These are the young athletes stationed around the field who help keep the game moving smoothly by retrieving and supplying balls during the match. They must be alert, professional, and tuned into every moment of the game. It’s an intense job, and a front-row seat to history.

Our players ranged from ages 14 to 17, and they took the role seriously. Before each match, they underwent rehearsals, uniform fittings, security briefings, and safeguarding training. The professionalism required mirrored what they might expect in a national team environment. For many, it was the first time they’d been in a stadium that size, under lights that bright, and surrounded by fans from across the globe.

Match Day Magic

The matches themselves were unforgettable. From the moment the kids boarded the bus at Panera Bread in Winter Garden to the time they returned, each game was its own adventure. The FIFA transport team kept everything on schedule while our staff, led by Eddie Santos, coordinated every detail, from credentials to food to rehearsal timing.

Once at the stadium, players walked the same tunnels as stars from legendary clubs. They stood pitch-side during warmups, watched referees and match delegates go through pregame protocols, and took their position as the match clock began to count down.

Imagine being a young soccer player, standing just a few feet away from international icons, watching their every move not from the stands, but from the field itself. For these players, it wasn’t just a view of the game. It was a window into the life they dream about.

Through the Players’ Eyes

What impacted the players most? The speed of play.

“You don’t realize how fast it really is until you’re right there on the sideline. It’s constant movement. They’re thinking two steps ahead the whole time.”

Another shared how it felt to step onto the pitch in front of a massive crowd:

“It felt like walking into a dream. You look up and see thousands of fans. It’s a rush I’ll never forget.”

They also couldn’t help but notice the energy in the stands. “Some fans were so loud and spirited, you could feel it in your chest. It made the whole place come alive.”

What surprised them most? How down-to-earth the pro players were.

“They smiled, fist-bumped us, even chatted in the tunnel. They made us feel like we belonged.”

One player summed it up perfectly in a single word:

Inolvidable.

Unforgettable.

Rising to the Occasion

Over the course of the tournament, our club was represented in six different matches, including knockout rounds. Our coaches, players, and chaperones handled the responsibility with grace and professionalism that made us proud.

We heard again and again from FIFA staff and stadium officials how well-prepared, respectful, and engaged our players were. That kind of feedback is everything. It tells us that we’re not only developing soccer players, we’re shaping young people who understand responsibility, teamwork, and how to rise to the occasion.

Behind the Scenes: A Team Effort

None of this would’ve been possible without the hard work and coordination of our staff, particularly Eddie Santos, who served as the primary point of contact with FIFA. From managing credential lists to organizing chaperones and working with transportation teams, Eddie ensured that every detail was accounted for.

We also want to thank our volunteer chaperones who completed safeguarding modules, navigated credential systems, and showed up with smiles and calm leadership at each match. Your commitment made this possible.

Finally, a big thank you to Bill Fisher and the United Soccer Academy team for initiating and managing this relationship with FIFA. You opened the door for our families to be part of something truly extraordinary.

More Than a Game

For Sol SC, this wasn’t just about soccer. It was about what soccer can do, how it can bring people together, inspire confidence, and open doors that once felt out of reach.

These players didn’t just attend a FIFA tournament. They stood shoulder to shoulder with professionals, learned from the game at its highest level, and saw firsthand what’s possible through hard work and commitment.

As a youth soccer club dedicated to developing better players and even better people, this experience was the embodiment of our mission. And now that the final whistle has blown on an unforgettable stretch of matches, we wanted to take a moment to reflect, celebrate, and share the impact this moment had on our players, our families, and our club.

What’s Next

As we look ahead to the upcoming season, we carry this experience with pride and gratitude. It reminded us that while trophies and titles are great, the real wins come from experiences that shape who we are. Opportunities like these reinforce why we do what we do.

To every player who stepped on the field, every parent who supported from the stands, and every staff member who worked behind the scenes, thank you. You made us proud. You reminded us why this club exists. And you inspired the next generation of Sol SC players to dream even bigger.

We can’t wait to see where this momentum takes us next.