Futbol club takes Italian league by storm

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Justin Weaver
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  A little known futbol (soccer) club is gaining prominence in the local Italian community as one that's hard to beat. 

Fresh off a 5-0 win against the Avocati Pordenone team, the Aviano Futbol Club has blasted their way into second place in the Division III league. 

"The American soccer team playing against Italian teams is well prepared both physically and technically," said Giaccomo Tonus, President of the Association of Friends of Soccer of Pordenone. "You can tell they work well together and are physically in very good condition."

The Aviano Futbol Club is comprised of Airmen and civilians across the base and assistant coach Justin Foulsham credits teamwork for their success. 

"We've really bonded as a team and it's beginning to show on the field," said Foulsham who began the team with Jimmy Hernandez in October 2008. "Some of the keys to our success are strong leadership, our skill level, coaching and an overall dedication to the team." 

That dedication is what has brought the team within grasp of a first place finish. The top three teams will advance to the Division II league at the beginning of next season. 

"Our expectations are to finish in the top three of our division this year and move up in difficulty to division II next year," Foulsham said. "We would like to continue building a team that creates bonds between teammates for years to come with fellow Americans and Italians throughout the league."

The futbol club practices every Tuesday and Thursday at 5:30 p.m. on the Dragon Fitness Center field. According to assistant coach Foulsham, they are always looking to add new players to their team. 

"Anyone can come out and practice with the team," he said. "We are looking for players who will put in the hard work and willingness needed to play for a team. From there, we will evaluate and select players on a case-by-case basis." 

Beginning in May, the team will hold tryouts for the upcoming July USAFE soccer tournament.

"We will be selecting 18 players to participate in the tournament," said Foulsham. "We hope to dominate the USAFE tournament for Aviano and come back with the trophy"

The next Aviano Futbol Club match is at 3 p.m. March 7 at the field in the center of Vigonovo.

"We love playing against Italians; it is not only a pride thing as Americans, but it helps to develop your own skills because of the level of competition."