TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – The FIFA World Cup is on U.S. soil for the first time in 32 years, and excitement is hitting close to home in the capital city.
For the Tallahassee Battle Lions, soccer has always been about more than what happens on the field.
Battle Lions player Bennett Mitchell says the team is hoping the World Cup sparks some new interest in soccer in Tallahassee.
“I think it just shows even more excitement to all the kids that are growing up playing soccer in Tallahassee, Florida, and America. Just to get the sport growing in America. This will be very helpful in doing that by seeing the greatest soccer in the world,” Mitchell said.
With 48 nations competing in the largest World Cup in history and matches being played on U.S. soil, Tallahassee Battle Lions player Jeremy Koeppe says the tournament feels personal, and he wants Tallahassee to feel that too.
“As a European, it’s easier to follow all the games. Some games are at midnight back in Germany, so for me, it’s easier to follow all the results, watch all the games, and just have the atmosphere a little bit closer,” Koeppe said.
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The Battle Lions say that same spirit, people from different backgrounds coming together over a shared love of the game, is something Tallahassee can experience right in its own backyard.
Koeppe says he hopes locals will embrace what makes the sport so special.
“I would say just stay open, stay open to different cultures as well. I think what you can see in our team, every culture plays a little bit differently. I think we all have different ways of interacting on the field. So be open to watch a lot of soccer, and just enjoy it,” he said.
Head Coach Joel Decastri says spreading that love of the game throughout the community is exactly what drives him.
“It’s a pleasure to share the passion with the other players, like I said, with the families, and I think we’re doing a really good job here in town,” he said.
Decastri says it’s a pleasure to share the passion with the other players, and says spreading that love of the game throughout the community is exactly what drives him. He has a simple message for anyone still on the fence about giving soccer a chance.
“Enjoy the World Cup and then get out and support your local team as well, because we’re fun to watch. It’s called the beautiful game for a reason. Get out there, shout, scream, whether it be at the TV or whether it be at Gene Cox on Saturday,” Decastri said.
If you’ve caught the soccer bug and want to see a match in person, the Tallahassee Battle Lions take on the Valdosta Football Club at 7 p.m. on Saturday at Gene Cox Stadium.
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