Monday, April 23

San Francisco Seals Release - www.oursfseals.com

Ben Gucciardi.

Gucciardi is currently on leave from the San Francisco Seals of United Soccer Leagues Premier Development League and has headed off to Cape Town, Africa, home of the 2010 World Cup. He is expected to return in July for the second half of the Seals season.

The Seal’s midfielder departed the San Francisco area to assist in the development of youth soccer in Cape Town. An organization he founded, Soccer without Borders (soccerwithoutborders.org) is co-sponsoring a soccer league between 10 children’s homes from the Cape Town area. Ben is working with the teams, refereeing games, conducting coaching clinics and helping plan and the structure of the league in conjunction with several volunteers from one of the children’s homes.

The league is named for Desiree Ellis, one of the top women’s soccer players in South Africa. She is also an activist for women’s rights, particularly around issues of girl’s involvement in sport and recreation activities. Ellis embodies many of the characteristics the soccer league seeks to encourage its youth participants.

The Desiree Ellis Soccer League is currently providing a place for 135 boys and girls ages 10-17 to play the game they love. In addition to providing an enjoyable recreational activity, the soccer teams will serve as channels through which education about HIV/AIDS, general health, conflict resolution and self-esteem building can take place.

Most recently, Gucciardi found himself in Glencairn, South Africa, about an hour outside of Cape Town. He has been working with the boys and care workers from "The Homestead," whose mission is "to help street children reconstruct their shattered lives." Ben accompanied The Homestead team who took 80 of the boys in their care to Glencairn; a quiet place near the ocean, and away from the chaos that surrounds their daily lives.

“It was a chance for them to experience life in a safe environment,” said Gucciardi [Somewhere] they were supported by caring adults.”

The Homestead has a team participating in the Desiree Ellis Soccer League. It was at the kickoff event for the league where Ben met Gerald Jacobs, who invited Ben to participate in their camp.

”I am very grateful to all the boys and the staff from The Homestead for all the things they shared with me,” said Gucciardi.

Gucciardi is a midfielder for the San Francisco Seals. Last season he played in eight matches with the Seals, starting four times.

"Ben is a tireless midfielder," says General Manager Tom Simpson. "His aggressive defensive work and constant work rate reflect the relentless nature of his commitment to what he does. I wish all the best to Ben in his endeavors. He deserves success."

Seals Preseason Update
In preparation of the upcoming 2007 United Soccer League Premier Development League Season the San Francisco Seals faced the National Team of Fiji on Thursday, April 12. Despite the 1-0 loss the Seals continue to move forward with their season preparations.

The major obstacle at this point is the absence of the many players committed to playing for the Seals this year. The list is quite impressive: Mike Share, a professional from the Spanish league who grew up in the PSV Einhoven program and had contracts with teams in the UK including Sheffield United and Southend United. Bill Robertson, who captains Rassendale United grew up in the Liverpool program. Danny Warrender, who also plays for Rassendale, was captain of Manchester City's reserve side only one year ago. Martin Ogstrup is a professional goalkeeper from Denmark has signed his papers but is waiting for visa approval.

More new players have also indicated their intent on joining us this season. Craeg Robertson, a left footed Scottish defender with pace, is coming from Southern Nazarene University where he played with Luke Tyburski (Seals defender in 2006) last college season. Matt Werakso, an Aussie, is an All American from Christian Brothers University who will be captain of his college team next year. His co-captain, Ryan Peel, a Canadian will join him. Ryan Overdevest is coming from William and Mary. Ryan was an academic all-American this past year. He was a teammate of Chris Rodd and is highly regarded by Chris and the head coach at William and Mary.

Returning college players include defender Chris Rodd and striker Carlos Diaz. Both were starters last year. Chris played in 12 games with the Seals and was a solid player. He plays for the USF Dons, was all WCC this past season, and voted MVP by his teammates. Carlos is a Saint Mary's of Moraga player who was a consistent threat with the Seals last season scoring seven goals and adding two assists in 11 matches. Carlos was all WCC as a freshman with Saint Mary's.