AboutUS By Hotspotorlando #29 | Page 103

Fluminense President Peter Siemsen. “We cer throughout Central Florida and estabsee the U.S. as a fast growing market, stra- lish the area as a prime training and competegic in our international plans for the club tition destination for pro soccer clubs. Last during the next couple years. Our goal is to year, the event at Disney attracted fans from continue to develop these players and we’re across the U.S. and Canada and gave them a looking forward to playing great MLS com- unique opportunity for an intimate fan expetition." perience at a world-class facility. Fluminense Director of Operations Marce- The tournament is just one of more than a lo Teixeira added, "The quality of play in the dozen popular soccer events held annualUnited States is improving each year. It is ly at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, physically more demanding than in Brazil. It which is the leading multi-sports venue in is most similar to the European game, where the nation and the official preseason trainplayers have less time on the ball. The oppor- ing home of the AS Roma soccer club. tunity for our younger players to compete at this level is fantastic and compliments the For more information on the Disney Pro final stage of their development as profes- Soccer Classic, visit www.espnwwos.com/ sionals." prosoccerclassic. Tickets for the event are on sale today through Ticketmaster.com, search The Disney Pro Soccer Classic field will be “Pro Soccer Classic” or by calling 800-745split into two groups. Group A features Or- 3000. Travel packages are available through lando City, Philadelphia, Columbus and To- GetTravel.com. The packages may include ronto. Group B includes New York, Montre- accommodations near Walt Disney World al, Sporting KC, and Fluminense. Resort, game tickets, ground transportation and discounted Disney theme park tickets. Entering its fifth year, the Disney Pro Soccer Classic is designed to boost interest in soc-