Francis Farberoff of the United States is retiring from beach soccer after an illustrious career
Calling it quits is never easy so you can imagine how difficult that decision was for Francis Farberoff. Francis has long since been the face of American beach soccer, however, he is now retiring from the sport that he gave so much to. The esteemed player has represented the United States in four World Cups, been awarded accolades for his on the field work, but also what he has done for beach soccer in the United States off the field is just as remarkable. For Francis’ his retirement was fulfilling as well, stating, “I would like to thanks U.S. Soccer, BSWW, my family, friends, coaches, teammates and opponents for a beautiful farewell ceremony. This moment was priceless, to be able to retire in front of my family and friends in my home town and walk on the field with my son Lucca was one of the most special moments in my beach soccer career. I will never forget it.”
The Brazilian born footballer came to the United States 22 years ago and only a year after becoming a U.S. citizen he qualified for the U.S.A. National Team. He has dedicated his time and energy to becoming the best player possible but also to building the sport he loves so much. He is currently the co-director/co-founder of the Florida Beach Soccer Football Club and youth soccer school: http://www.beachsoccer.com/news/957.
The strides that American beach soccer has made under Francis’ watch as U.S. National Team Captain is evident and the lasting impact is already being felt with The Red, White, and Blue becoming a mainstay at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, as well as active participants in many globally prestigious events, including this years’ XIX Mundialito in Espinho, Portugal. Retiring is an inevitable step in the world of sports but through the groundwork and hard effort that Francis has put into beach soccer, he will be able to stay connected to the sport. Francis’ future with the sport has already been established and he proudly says, “I walk away from the game as a player knowing that every time i played I left everything I had on the field. From the wins, the losses, the high and the lows I take with me a lot friends that I made throughout these 14 years. I take all the knowledge from those experiences but most importantly I take a big lesson that nothing is impossible. Being able to return to Tahiti for the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in 2013 after 6 years since my last World Cup taught me that all the fight and sacrifice was worth it. Now that I transition into a new chapter in my life as a coach of the new beach soccer talent I see the bright future ahead for these young players.”
