Pictured above is Lucas Sosa-Vila.
Lucas Sosa-Vila is a 21 year old Uruguayan soccer player who coaches and plays the game. He played in Uruguay and coached the Westhill H.S. freshman soccer team. I recently was lucky enough to hop on a call with him and ask him some questions. I used to play soccer with him in highschool but we never really got to know each other too well up until now. Back in May, he decided to move to Costa Rica for more opportunities to go professional. He moved to a soccer specific training facility to work with experienced coaches to improve and have the chance to impress scouts who fly over from Europe every month. If he impressed enough, he could earn himself a trial with a team and sign his first professional contract. This is his story.
How has your experience been?
“My experience down here has been nothing but amazing. I get to wake up every day, go to training, and play games against professional opposition. I’m surrounded by people with the same goal and mindset that I have to not only get better and improve, but to also strive for greatness. I made the decision to move to Costa Rica back in May to pursue this dream and although people thought I was crazy and insane, I did it anyway and best believe I have been successful thus far. I was scouted by Leonel Pontes, a professional coach who has managed Sporting FC; a first division club in Portugal. He also coached Portugal's international team and has worked with the likes of Ricardo Quaresma, Bruno Fernandes, Joao Moutinho, MLS super star Nani, and arguably the best player in the world, Cristiano Ronaldo. I have ambitions to also become someone in this sport and on November 1st I travel to Portugal and hopefully I’ll be able to prove and show that all the hours of dedication and sacrifice have paid off.”
Pictured below is Leonel Pontes, the coach Lucas was lucky enough to meet and train with throughout his time in Costa Rica.
How has your health been mentally and how has it been being away from your family for so long?
“Where to start. This road and path that I have chosen is a very hard and lonely path. The sacrifices that I have made have been huge ones. I haven't seen my family or close friends in 6 months, closing in on 7. I’ve missed out on multiple special occasions. I’ve missed out on what’s supposed to be the golden years of my life. All these things take a toll on you after a while and yes, I do have bad days and I do sometimes feel sad and lonely but where there is darkness there is also light. When I get to buy the big house for my family, when I’m able to provide for my family, and when I’m able to give back to my friends and the community that made me the person I am today, then I’ll look back at everything and know it was worth it. Then I will be able to tell myself I did it.”
Lucas Sosa-Vila is one of the most determined people that I have ever met. He doesn't let anyone or anything stop him from reaching his ultimate goal of becoming a professional soccer player. This is his story so far, but it is far from finished.
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