PINE BELT, Miss. (WDAM) – The next stop is Spain for Hattiesburg’s Southern States Soccer Club.
“It’s just unusual to be coming from such a small town and be playing in a big tournament,” Southern States player Noel Darby said.
Members of the youth soccer team are gearing up for the Ganafote Cup in Huelve, Spain, on April 11.
“Most of them are leaving on Sunday and some on Monday,” Southern States coach Romar Smith said.
The club got its start in 2016. Since then, Smith said it’s only grown.
“For the younger ones, this is a really good challenge for them because they’re gearing up for that next level in that age,” said Smith.
The Hub City club was added to the “MLS Next” program last year.
The program provides the kids with coaching and training needed for a professional career.
“I hope to go pro,” Southern States player Russ Moore said. “It’s a high goal, but that’s what I’m looking for in life.”
Smith said he is hopeful the competition will help get more players on the field.
“In the South it’s not so big, but when they go to Europe, they’re going to see kids live and breathe the sport called soccer here but futbol everywhere else,” said Smith.
Southern States is the only team from the United States competing in Spain next week.
Want more WDAM 7 news in your inbox? Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.
Copyright 2025 WDAM. All rights reserved.