To kick off the Boys Varsity Soccer pre-season, the team traveled to London in August to train with world-class soccer coaches. Thirty-one players, three coaches, and two tour guides spent nine days in London playing soccer and sightseeing. Head Coach Mario Williams ’12 said, “The trip was important, because it demonstrated to each member of the group the potential that exists in athletics in terms of providing opportunities to people from all backgrounds, binding communities together around a shared purpose, and challenging ourselves to excel and inspire others.”
The trip was made possible through a partnership with Athena, whose owner runs the Arsenal Soccer camp held on campus during the summer. Coach Williams was able to connect with him in Lakeville and learn about the programs Athena runs for students to travel to Europe. Coach Williams said, “These initiatives include athletics-focused trips, but also cultural and language-immersion educational programs. It was clear to me that a valuable opportunity existed for us to collaborate to provide a one-of-a-kind and unforgettable travel experience for our boys’ soccer program.”
When the team arrived at its hotel at noon on Saturday, August 17, it encountered a mob of soccer fans waiting to see Arsenal F.C., which was staying at that same hotel. Arsenal’s roster walked past the team as players left for their match. Coach Williams said, “It was surreal seeing these global icons of the game, such as Mikel Arteta and Bukayo Saka, right before our eyes. I thought, Pinch me. This can’t really be happening!’”
The next day, the team watched Brentford F.C. face off against Crystal Palace F.C. Students sat among the Brentford home supporters and witnessed a competitive back-and-forth match; in the end, Brentford pulled out a 2-1 win. Nate Reif ’27 said, “The game was great because of the high level of play and the passionate atmosphere of the supporters. It was cool to see the insane energy of the fans.”
The team’s schedule was packed with training to get players ready for the upcoming season, including two sessions with coaches from Tottenham F.C. and one with coaches from Arsenal F.C. Reif said, “The training sessions were very competitive and a great test of my skills. I learned a lot from the coaches.”
The team also played friendly matches against the Crystal Palace Academy and the Queens Park Rangers (QPR) Academy, two of the top teams among youth academies in England.
The boys went sightseeing at major London landmarks, shopping, and exploring London. They visited the Tate Modern, National History Museum, and National Gallery. Brian Perez ’27 said, “I thought the National History Museum was really cool. I had never been to London before, so it was interesting to learn about the culture beyond soccer.”
The team had the opportunity to tour the stadiums of Arsenal F.C. and Tottenham F.C. The Tottenham stadium, which was built in 2019 and holds 63,000 fans, hosts NFL teams when they play in London. Therefore, the team toured the locker rooms where soccer icons such as Son Heung-Min get ready, and where NFL superstars prepare for game days.
Students spent their last full day in London going to their second and final match, QPR F.C. vs. Plymouth Argyle F.C. The team sat right next to the pitch and witnessed another exciting match, which ended in a 1-1 draw.
Fritz Weihman ’27 said, “The atmosphere at the QPR game was electric and amazing, and it was just as exciting as the Brentford game we went to.”
Through long bus rides, team meals, day trips, hanging out in the hotel, and walking around the streets of London, the trip offered an opportunity for the returning players to connect with the new recruits.
Co-captain Chrys Yue ’26 said, “I think the preseason trip helped us build chemistry on and off the field. Living and experiencing things relating to soccer together strengthened our bond as a team.”
Last season, the team’s record was 4-10-4. Coach Williams said, “We were plagued by injuries to key players last season, and that impacted our performance in crucial games. There were important areas of improvement across the board, and we are now focused squarely on growing from those lessons learned.”
Although the team lost ten Seniors last year, including key players Sebby Brown ’24, Ben Brown ’24, Lawrence Taylor ’24, Thomas Navab ’24, and Andy Bowers ’24, it is welcoming a large number of new recruits, including Logan Maingot ’25 from Trinidad and Tobago and Marcus Jordan ’25 from Denmark.
The team is also adding centerbacks Benji Watts ’25 and Lindon Stout ’25 and fullback duo Chakib Bassou ’26 and Shawnn Stark ’26, both from Québec, Canada.
The team has important matchups against Berkshire on September 18, Taft on November 9, and Loomis during Family Weekend.
