Broward Teen Living Out A Soccer Dream
PLANTATION (CBS4) -- Many kids have dreams of playing professional sports when they get older, but few are ever able to reach that goal, but for one Broward County teen that dream could become a reality.
On Thursday Xavier Silva, who is a senior at North Broward Preparatory School, will travel to Madrid, Spain where his soccer skills will be put to the ultimate test. Silva has been playing soccer since grade school. Now he's one of the top players in the National Development League with Weston FC.
"The way he goes up for the ball in the air, they way he headers, they way he moves that gives us a big advantage to win the games," said Carlos Catano who plays alongside Xavier with Weston FC.
Starting May 29th Silva will be one of 22 young players featured on Gol Televisions's reality show, "Soccer Aces." The program, which is based in Madrid searches for the best players all over the world. Sixteen players make the final cut and one player is selected to play pro with Athletico Madrid.
"Chances only come once in a lifetime, said Xavier Silva. "I think I need to take full advantage of it and do as much as I can."
Silva got his big break when a scout for the show contacted his coach.
"If he does well it can change his life and his family's life because he can become a big star," said Marcelo Neveleff, head coach for Weston FC.
Neveleff says Silva's commitment to soccer puts him at the top of his game. Now Silva will be playing for the chance to make it big.
"I'm living my dream right now," said the 18-year old.
The first episode of Soccer Aces airs on Gol Television Sunday, May 29th and runs through July. The reality show will be broadcast all over Europe, South America and the United States.
For more information on the program log onto socceracestv.com.
