Over the summer, while Morris Hills students were embracing the spirit of relaxing, junior Leonardo Belloni competed in a soccer tournament hosted in Italy. The tournament had 32 teams in total across nine different age groups from 8 to 16 years old, which means that there were four teams per age group. Leo’s team, Monte Galleto, came in second place for the entire tournament, unfortunately being defeated in the finale by a singular point! In the final game, Leo scored two goals with the opposing team scoring a point at the last minute, bringing the score to 3 – 2.
Not only did Leo’s playing ability earn him the title of best player of the tournament and top scorer, with 12 goals in total, but his experience in the tournament can also be attributed to the community atmosphere, with his 12 teammates as well as two coaches. The team bonded over the month of July, which was the duration of the tournament, playing eight games together and practicing quite often. In addition, Leo remarks that the competitive nature of the competition made the experience feel even more professional and fun, “…all the people that watched basically had sides, so some kids supported one team while the others supported the other, so you could see a rivalry.”
However, this opportunity was not only a “successful” experience as coined by Leo, but it fulfilled his childhood dream of playing in the tournament. With Leo’s hometown being Bussolengo, Italy, he had fantasized of participating in this competition for many years after being a spectator to the tournament as a child along with his friends. Looking back, Leo identifies this dream as leading him on his soccer journey and ultimately after realizing its completion as “meaning a lot to him.” He fondly remembers the impact the event had on him as a kid and recognized that same influence this past summer as he played in the tournament himself. During Leo’s reflection he remembers, “…that multiple times after the game, kids would come up to me and give me a high five or start talking to me, which was the same thing with parents/adults. I remember once, after the semi-final, 4 different kids asked me to take a picture with them. I’m still shocked at how.” Although Leo continuously proves his own accomplishments over and over again, he remains humble.
His accomplishments within the tournament are truly an inspiration to future soccer players, the Morris Hills community, and anyone who knows his story. Leonardo’s ability to fulfill his dream and to continue reaching for his goals will inspire others to do the same; reaching for the stars no matter the obstacles and most importantly never forgetting where you come from. The Morris Hills community sends Leonadro Belloni a huge congratulations for his incredible accomplishments in the tournament and wish him the best of luck in his promising soccer career.