Deltona scores major-league soccer again

PHOTO BY GREG CARROCCIO/PHILADELPHIA UNION
Save — Zac MacMath, starting goalie for the Philadelphia Union, prepares to guard the goal during a practice. MacMath is from St. Petersburg. The Philadelphia Union, a professional soccer team, is coming to Deltona in February to train at the Dewey O. Boster Sports Complex.

By Jen Horton
Beacon staff writer

posted Dec 27, 2012 - 7:33:59am

The Philadelphia Union, a Major League Soccer team, will train at Deltona’s Dewey O. Boster Sports Complex in February, before the kickoff of the professional soccer season.

During the team’s stay in West Volusia, in addition to training daily at the Boster facility, the Union players and coaching staff will participate in four games at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, host community clinics for up to 800 children, make appearances at schools and

This is the third year the major-league team has chosen to train in Deltona.

“We are delighted to be returning to Dewey O. Boster Sports Complex in Deltona, where we have been building an annual tradition for our fans to enjoy warm weather, some fun in the sun, and be included in the Philadelphia Union’s preseason preparations,” said Philadelphia Union CEO and Operating Partner Nick Sakiewicz. “We have enjoyed the previous years immensely, and have been given a fantastic welcome by the people of Deltona, so it truly feels like home for us.”

The city is also happy with the arrangement.

“As in years past, Deltona has been known for creating a ‘hometown soccer atmosphere,’ for its fans and residents,” Deltona Mayor John Masiarczyk said. “As we move to the future, we are so excited that our new partner, the Philadelphia Union, has recognized what a soccer mecca the community of Deltona has become, by selecting Deltona as their spring-training headquarters.”

This season, the Union will also be offering a Fantasy Camp Feb. 14, which allows fans to learn from the pros. Participants will be given full kits and will run through various drills and classroom exercises 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Union players will be onsite for instruction and to talk with participants.

Space is limited. For more information, visit www.philadelphiaunion.com.

— jen@beacononlinenews.com

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