Cole Goodman (top left) and Journey FC team members display their passports for upcoming trip to China
The next goal for a local soccer club will take the team across the globe.
Journey FC, a recently established soccer team from Harrisburg, will fly to China in August for an international soccer tournament and cultural engagement.
The trip is planned in collaboration with DENO International, a Chinese organization that supports worldwide cultural and educational exchange initiatives, and the World Affairs Council of Harrisburg.
The roster is made up of local athletes from a range of backgrounds, including former players from Harrisburg Area Community College, Central Penn College, John Harris High School, and individually recruited players from across the Harrisburg area.
Over the course of 10 days, the 18-player team will participate in cultural and educational experiences in addition to playing three games against local opponents.
Cole Goodman, the founder and head coach of Journey FC, emphasized the significance of the opportunity, both for the players and the local soccer community.
“As a coach, being able to see the team compete internationally and see the fruits of our hard work pay off is an honor,” Goodman said. “I want to make sure that Harrisburg and Pennsylvania are put on the map and showcase the talent we have here.”
Goodman brings several years of soccer experience to the role, having played college soccer and previously coached at HACC and John Harris High School before becoming the head coach of Journey FC.
“I hope this trip can change the lives of these young men forever,” Goodman said. “They’ll grow through experiencing different cultures and participating in this cultural exchange program, while also competing on the field and showing the talent, professionalism, joy and happiness that comes from the young people of Harrisburg.”
Players Mark Haye, Darwin Lopez and Rotman Saltos expressed their enthusiasm and voiced how their team has collaborated over the months.
“It’s really exciting working with so many people from different places,” said Lopez, the team’s goalie. “We all have different backgrounds, but we all share our love for soccer and that’s what brings us together.”
Haye, a Jamaican native and the team’s midfielder, expressed how grateful he was for the opportunity presented to him.
“If you would’ve told me as a kid that I was going to be playing internationally by age 20, I probably wouldn’t have believed you,” he said.
Lastly, Saltos, born in Ecuador, and the team’s striker, highlighted the perseverance that defines Harrisburg.
“Journey FC is ready to represent the city’s hard work, resilience, and the ‘never give up’ mentality. That’s what it means to grow up in Harrisburg,” said Saltos.
If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!
