ROCKLAND — A group of local high school boys are embarking on the experience of a lifetime this summer by playing soccer at the Donasti Cup, an international tournament in San Sebastian, Spain.

The 7 Tree Futbol Club (7 Tree FC) focuses on developing leadership skills and global awareness in a positive environment. Sportsmanship is always promoted through respect for opponents, officials, teammates, and supporters, and a commitment to community service, a news release noted. 

“Each of the boys on the team has a passion for soccer,” said Patrick Mellor, founder and head coach of the 7 Tree FC team. “I have coached many of the players for years and have seen them grow and develop into great players and people. Through the 7 Tree FC organization, we will help them continue to focus on leadership, mindfulness, and the importance of giving back to the community while developing and enhancing their soccer skills.”

According to Mellor, respect for others on and off the pitch is an important element of this program; one of the requirements of being on the team is giving back to the community. So far this year, the team has helped with spring clean-up at Paws, in Camden, cleaned up Sandy Beach in Rockland, and will be helping to prepare Village Farm Foodbank in Newcastle for the summer season. They will also be participating in Warren Days in June.

The players on the team include Liam Belyea, Bruce Bossow, Seamus Donaghy, Travis Dube, Casey Duncan, Finlay Fitch, Harrison Garcia, Vishal Mellor, Mo Ngido, Zan Nugyen, Eli Pluecker, Charlie Pons, Nevan Power, Harry Walker, and Gavin White. The team is coached by Patrick Mellor and the assistant coach is Will Smith.

Players represent Camden Hills, Oceanside, Medomak Valley, Lincoln Academy, and Freeport high schools.

“I have played soccer with many of these guys since I was five and having the chance to travel to Spain and play soccer in an international tournament with them is an experience I will not forget, '' said Charlie Pons. “Pat is a great coach and teacher, I am excited to have been selected to be part of this team. I like having the opportunity to work on my leadership skills off the pitch by giving back to the community and representing Maine in Spain.”

This is the 30th year for the Donasti Cup, which features over 70 soccer clubs from around the world and the first year that the 7 Tree FC will be attending the event. The majority of the trip is paid for through fundraising efforts and gifts from corporate sponsors. The main sponsor of the 7Tree FC is The First National Bank. Other sponsors include Superior Roofing of Maine, Rockport Automotive, and Maine State Credit Union.

The team needs to raise $20,000 by June 1. They will be holding a car wash and bake sale May 14 from 9 a.m. to noon at Rockport Automotive. Donations can be contributed online at 7TreeFC.com/donate or by mail to 7 Tree FC P.O. Box 248, Rockland, ME 04841.