The Ascent boys . . . are back in town!

Late last week, the Ascent Soccer U16 boys arrived home safely from an eventful three-week international tour that included stops in Iceland and Ireland.

To open their European adventure, Ascent returned to Reykjavik, Iceland as the reigning Rey Cup champions. After an undefeated group stage at 2-0-1, the boys ventured into the knockout round with high expectations. After a comfortable 2-0 win in the quarters, Ascent created plenty of opportunities in the semifinal, only to drop a tight 1-0 decision to Afturelding FC. The boys then bounced back to claim third place with a penalty shootout victory. A successful opening 10 days in Europe, for a side whose average age is just 15.

Alongside all of the football, there was whale watching, city strolls and plenty of new food adventures.

Then it was off to Ireland for the Ascent Soccer U16 boys, where they played some of their best football of the summer. The boys collected a trio of victories, which included a cracking 3-2 win at Irish top tier academy St. Patrick's Athletic FC.

And along with seeing the sights and testing their skills at 'hurling', they also stepped out of their comfort zone with a little rafting on the Irish Sea!

"This was another irreplaceable growth opportunity for our emerging boys of talent and promise," shared Ascent Soccer co-founder George Maguire. "These trips to Europe accelerate our learning and challenge our student-athletes to be brave, while also giving them a window into the world of football they are competing against, as they work towards earning pathways in the global game."

The Ascent Soccer staff and scholars are now enjoying some well deserved rest and recovery, as they prepare for a brand new school and soccer year in September.