The Brazilian Fluminense FC U23 team will round out the Walt Disney World Pro Soccer Classic field at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.
Fluminense FC, one of the top soccer clubs in Brazil, joins the New York Red Bulls, Toronto FC, Sporting KC, Philadelphia Union, Columbus Crew, Montreal Impact and Orlando City soccer clubs in the eight-team field. Teams begin arriving in Central Florida on Feb. 19 for three weeks of pre-season training camp and competition, culminating with the Disney Pro Soccer Classic title game on Mar. 1 at 8 pm.
Fluminense FC is one of the world's leaders in talent development. The club is not only responsible for selling world soccer stars like Thiago Silva on to Europe to AC Milan, but also developing several currently renowned players such as Marcelo (Real Madrid), Rafael (Manchester United) and his twin brother Fabio (Manchester United).
“This is a great addition to the tournament and gives us one of our strongest fields in the five-year history of Pro Soccer Classic,’’ said Disney Sports Director of Sports Development Mike Millay. “ We have always looked to strengthen the tournament year after year and with our world class facility and event management staff we feel this event will give the teams a unique training camp experience that hopefully will launch them toward successful seasons.
"We are proud to be the first Brazilian team invited to compete in the Walt Disney World Pro Soccer Classic,’’ said Fluminense President Peter Siemsen. “We see the U.S. as a fast growing market, strategic in our international plans for the club during the next couple years. Our goal is to continue to develop these players and we’re looking forward to playing great MLS competition."
Fluminense Director of Operations Marcelo Teixeira added, "The quality of play in the United States is improving each year. It is physically more demanding than in Brazil. It is most similar to the European game, where players have less time on the ball. The opportunity for our younger players to compete at this level is fantastic and compliments the final stage of their development as professionals."
The Disney Pro Soccer Classic field will be split into two groups. Group A features Orlando City, Philadelphia, Columbus and Toronto. Group B includes New York, Montreal, Sporting KC, and Fluminense.
Entering its fifth year, the Disney Pro Soccer Classic is designed to boost interest in soccer throughout Central Florida and establish the area as a prime training and competition destination for pro soccer clubs. Last year, the event at Disney attracted fans from across the U.S. and Canada and gave them a unique opportunity for an intimate fan experience at a world-class facility.
The tournament is just one of more than a dozen popular soccer events held annually at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, which is the leading multi-sports venue in the nation and the official preseason training home of the AS Roma soccer club.
-courtesy Walt Disney World PR