Your Child’s Journey
If your child is ready for the next step beyond recreational soccer, SABR-Team Boca offers a pathway through a tryout and selection process. Tryouts for the 2025–2026 Season are May 1–15. Visit teamboca.com to view detailed tryout schedules for boys and girls age groups. If you have any questions about the tryout process, please email Team Boca Director Petro Andreadis at pandreadis@sabrsoccer.net.
By Gary Curreri
The Soccer Association of Boca Raton (SABR) has been a launchpad for thousands of young athletes — guiding players from grassroots recreational soccer to Team Boca travel teams and onto high school, college, and even international levels. For some, the journey comes full circle as they return as coaches or parents of the next generation.
Vincent Ferrigno: A Journey from Rec to Travel Excellence
Vincent Ferrigno began in SABR’s recreational program as a 6-year-old and moved to SABR – Team Boca two years later. He is now a member of the club’s top boys travel team, the 2009 White squad, where he plays midfield and striker.
“It has been very cool to play in Boca Raton and make the transition from SABR to Team Boca,” Ferrigno said. “I have had so many memories, like going to tournaments and winning most of them.”
“I was only 8 years old at the time, but everyone around me made it very easy as I felt welcomed and was also around some of the same people I had been with in rec soccer,” he added. “I feel I have grown a lot as a player getting feedback from so many different top coaches and playing with many good players. I have had many amazing experiences.”
FAU sophomore Caleb Chapman grew up in SABR-Team Boca. By age 16, he was playing two years up — ultimately winning state and regional titles with the BU19/20 squad and competing at nationals.
“Coach Keith Fries gave me big opportunities,” Chapman said. “Playing up challenged me and proved I could handle faster, more physical competition. That’s what helped me reach Division I.”
Caleb’s father Kevin also played for Team Boca. “It’s a legacy,” Chapman added. “The people and experiences shaped my journey.”
A Strong Link Between Rec and Travel
Michael Araujo, Boys Director of Coaching, emphasizes the relationship between SABR’s recreational program — the largest in Florida — and Team Boca. “Our rec players train nearby, so it’s easy to spot talent and invite them to travel sessions,” he said. “Parents appreciate that Team Boca is part of SABR. We support each other.”
Araujo, who joined SABR in 1992, has led teams to four state titles. His current 2009 Boys White team ranks No. 1 in Florida and No. 7 in the U.S.
The Next Generation: Skills Clinics and After-School Programs
SABR’s skills clinics, held each spring, introduce players to travel-level expectations in a welcoming environment. The Soccer After School program, led by Carrie Barker, is another vital pathway — helping young players develop comfort and confidence early on.
“We’re proud that over half our staff once played here,” said Araujo. “That says everything about our culture. Even our board includes former players and community-minded volunteers, many without children in the program today.”
Adriana Gonzalez: From U9 to the U17 World Cup
Adriana Gonzalez, currently a 2008-born ECNL-RL standout, is a SABR “lifer.” She began in the recreational program at age 5 and joined Team Boca’s U9 division at age 8. Now, she’s a Wake Forest University 2026 commit and the captain of Mexico’s U17 women’s national team — fresh off qualifying for the U17 World Cup in Morocco.
“Switching from SABR to Team Boca was easy because my friends came with me, and we were just having fun,” said Gonzalez, who was named to the Best XI at the CONCACAF qualifiers. “Coach Gary made our practices enjoyable while still helping us learn the game.”
She helped Team Boca capture two of its three national championships. “Each one was unforgettable,” she said. “Competing with Mexico keeps me humble. Every match teaches me something new.”
