After months of planning, fundraising, meeting — and lots of soccer — reality finally settled in. The exact timing of such realization happened a few weeks ago when Diego Gattesco sent a message to our group on “WhatsApp.” It was an audio-file recording from Cadena 3, the most popular radio station in Cordoba, Argentina (population 1.5 million). In what seems like a recap of the coming news and events of the next few weeks, highlighted was the upcoming visit from the “Ninos (boys) de (of) Wheeeeeeeeeling (Wheeling, West Virginia).” In that moment we switched from fundraiser mode to, “Wait, where are we going again exactly? How long is the flight? What should we pack?“
Listen closely at 47 seconds…
The “we” involved here is the FC Wheeling United Under-14 Boys Soccer team and parents, coaches and ambassadors; the “what” is a once-in-a-lifetime journey to Gattesco’s homeland of Argentina. (Read a previous Weelunk story here.)
For over six months we have worked toward raising nearly $40,000, which enables all 14 boys the opportunity to have the trip completely paid for. From selling candles and Super Bowl squares to hosting an Argentina themed dinner complete with dancing lessons and homemade empanadas. We have so many people and organizations to thank for the support of the trip and today we would especially like to thank Stratford Springs, who as our title sponsor, is supporting this series, “Our South American Odyssey”.
A message from Manuel Ruiz, Manager of all youth programs at Club Atletico Talleres, one of our hosts …
“Our South American Odyssey” will be a journal-style daily piece, documenting the trip, and written by the boys themselves. Each day one to two boys will don “Weelunk Press” badges (literally), and will be charged with capturing the essence of their day by taking pictures and video with their phones, conducting interviews with fellow players and parents, as well as people that we will meet.
There will be no shortage of story ideas in this trip, as Diego has used his resources well and has delivered a trip of epic proportions.
This series is sponsored by the generous support of
Stratford Springs Family Restaurant
Argentina Trip Draft Itinerary
Thursday, March 28, 2019
Gather at White Palace at Wheeling Park
Depart to Washington, DC
DC United Stadium Visit – Audi Field
Argentine Embassy Visit
Capitol Mall and Museum area
Friday, March 29, 2019
Depart to Cordoba
Saturday, March 30, 2019
Arrive in Cordoba
Gathering at Canchas Claret. Pickup soccer and Asado with Instituto Maria de Nazareth school families
Depart to Stadium Kempes
Talleres de Cordoba vs River Plate Match
Sunday, March 31, 2019
City Tour
Centro Tour – Plaza San Martin, Cabildo, Catedral, Manzana Jesuita, Capuchinos, etc.
Maria de Nazareth School
Meet with Instituto Maria de Nazareth families – drop kids
Monday, April 1, 2019
School day – Instituto Maria de Nazareth
Soccer match – Lasallano Club
Tuesday, April 2, 2019
Cordoba – Local Holiday- Malvinas Day
Practice with Talleres Youth Program
Predio Amadeo Nuccetelli C.A.Talleres
View Professional Team Practice
Gathering with Host families
Wednesday, April 3, 2019
Soccer match with Talleres U14 Team
Predio Amadeo Nuccetelli C.A.Talleres
Almuerzo Comedor Pastore
Depart to Buenos Aires
Thursday, April 4, 2019
Arrive in Buenos Aires
Breakfast and visit Plaza de Mayo
Visit Teatro Colon and Obelisco
Casa Rosada Visit
Almuerzo/Lunch – La Cátedra Restaurante
U.S. Embassy in Buenos Aires Visit
Palacio Bosch Visit – Ambassador Residence
Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti – River Plate Stadium
Return to Cordoba
Friday, April 5, 2019
Arrive in Cordoba
Depart to Carlos Paz
Visit Carlos Paz
Speed Kart
Saturday, April 6, 2019
Return to Wheeling