Renton youth puts best foot forward in international match

Nathen Song’s tiny frame is hidden underneath his jersey and his sleepy eyes wander, trying desperately to hide his discomfort at being interviewed.

But when this 9-year-old heads outside to kick and dribble his soccer ball, his eyes turn bright and a small quiet smile creeps on his seemingly once-tired face.

To say that Song loves soccer is an understatement. He’s part of Pacific Northwest Soccer Club (PacNW), so he has practices twice a week with games during the weekend. He’s chasing after the ball every other second in between. Whether he’s playing a one-on-one match with his older brother or simply practicing new tricks, it’s hard to separate Song from his soccer ball.

Earlier this year, Song’s parents received a surprising phone call. A coach from PacNW recommended Song to fly to Portugal and play at the Mundialto, the biggest international soccer tournament where the best of the youth clubs from all over the world, including FC Porto, Sevilla FC and AJAX, compete with each other. Turns out that his hours of practice and dedication paid off.

“I was pretty excited,” Song said with a shrug.

Not only was this Song’s first time traveling abroad, but it was also his first time on a plane. He said his ears were plugged and his feet felt a little numb.

Once Song landed in Portugal, his schedule was jam-packed with team lunches and soccer games. The U.S. team did have the disadvantage of playing for the first time in Portugal, as opposed to the other teams who spent months practicing together for this tournament. But with about two games scheduled each day, it didn’t take long for the team to bond and find their harmony.

Song poured everything he had out on that field and managed to score two goals in his second game. Even his Mundialito coach, Todd Stauber, was impressed with his ability on and off the field.

“As a young player dealing with travel, a new team and playing against youth players from some of the top professional clubs in Europe, Nathen did very well,” said Stauber. “He played in central midfield and in defense and was very solid throughout the tournament in our second game. I believe strongly he will come back to PacNW a better player with a broader understanding of the game after his experience. As his coach and as a director at PacNW I was very proud of the way he played and conducted.”

His team lost in the quarterfinal game. Song was a little disappointed, but the loss gave him and his teammates an extra day to travel to Lisbon and be tourists for a day. At Lisbon, Song and his friends visited all the significant monuments and attractions. He was even amused to find a Starbucks in Portugal.

“That was weird,” he said bemused.

Song hopes to go back next year and try to get past the quarterfinal round.

His parents have noted that playing soccer has improved his social skills.

“He’s always been a quieter kid,” said his mom. “Now he has time to be with people his age. He’s not as nervous or afraid anymore. Won’t you agree?

Song nods in approval. He says he plans to play soccer for the rest of the life. But he isn’t concerned about this future just yet; after all, he’s only 9-years-old.