Help Miller Train with Real Madrid in Spain

Hi friends!

If you know me - then you know I'm about to tell a story...

For a couple of years Miller (10) and Griffin (8) have been saying "one day when I play for Real Madrid" - kinda like when I was a kid and would say "one day when I'm on broadway!" So I'd just smile and say "Yup!" In September 2023 I was making plans to head to my hometown of Naples for a couple of weeks during the next summer to help my mom with a few things. I work virtually so I looked up soccer day camps in Naples.... I couldn't believe my eyes - Real Madrid was hosting a camp during the very time we'd be there. So, with help from grandparents and lots of saving - we made the boys dream come true.

The boys were very worried they wouldn't know anyone and I kept telling them that unlike home where we have 315 students grades preK-12 in one school - Naples has dozens of schools - so there'd be lots of kids who didn't know people. I was right. But I was also slightly off base. We arrived on day one to find that well over half the players were from other countries! Their parents were renting places so these kids could come to the camp! Every single player - except Miller and Griffin - played in high level travel leagues. To say they (and I) were nervous doesn't even come close to how we were all feeling. Of course I kept my cool just hoping they'd get in the car after day one and tell me they had a great time and wanted to go back for day two! They did! Phew!

These two boys play in a tiny town in the mountains in NY where their coaches (thank you guys!) mainly played in high school and volunteer their time. There are no try-out's - everyone makes the team! But these two watch soccer videos and try to recreate the skills in our yard like it's their job. They play where it's sometimes cold enough to wear a hoodie - the temperature in Naples was at a heat index of 108!

The Real Madrid Foundation picks top players from camps they host around the world to come to Madrid for a training camp. The boys and I laughed and dreamed about one of them being asked to attend - but quite honestly we knew that wasn't going to be the case. Plus Miller hurt his wrist half way through camp but just had me bring him a brace so he could continue. One day he got sun sick but slathered himself in aloe and placed cold water presses on his face so he could go out again the next day.

On the last day of camp I was approached by a mother and father who asked if my kid was the goal keeper named Miller. They went on to tell me that thanks to Miller's positive attitude and helpful words their son felt able to continue with camp. They said their son was feeling like he was failing and that Miller was putting his arm around their kid and giving all sorts of positive reinforcement. Both this family and one of the coaches pulled me aside to tell me I was raising a team captain or a coach and complimented Miller's sportsmanship. That was awesome - far and away the camp experience and compliments like that were achievement enough.

However, while driving along the following day we hit some stand still traffic - so I glanced at my emails. A subject line said "Miller, you are invited to Madrid!" I handed the phone to Miller saying "Read this. Out loud!" He took one look, started to cry and said he couldn't read it and then handed the phone to his Mimi to read aloud.

Miller was among 6 players out of 90+ players that were asked to come train on the Real Madrid fields in Spain. We are so excited for him as that is quite the accolade. The "ask" itself is most special. I've sat on this for a couple of weeks now trying to decide how we could make this happen for him and if we even think it's the right thing to do. It's expensive.

We've decided that this is really an absolute character builder and affirmation of character. It's an opportunity that will reinforce his determination to achieve success as he grows up. It's a chance to see another part of the world and experience a new culture. Sure, it's an opportunity to play on the home field of the world's top ranking soccer club and be coached by the finest... but more than that it's an opportunity to realize that if you try your hardest and you do life with great sportsmanship - it will be noticed.

Miller and I began speaking about how he can raise money - Miller's Meals for Madrid (he likes to cook) or Miller's Melties for Madrid (pressed sammies at festivals) or Miller Mows (lawncare) or Handy Dandy Miller (helping folks with snow shoveling or chores)... all kinds of ideas. We've been gearing up for 10 months of fundraising!

However, I just found out that the full amount of $6,800 will be due by early October and the deposit is due August 6. That amount covers our plane fares (one adult, one player), many of the meals (7 days), lodging at the Real Madrid campus, field coaching at Ciudad Deportiva Real Madrid Valdebebas (RM sports training facility), sportsmanship/mental coaching, tour of Santiago Bernabéu (RM stadium), tour of Madrid for the players and families, uniforms, etc

I cannot even begin to tell you how awkward and unsettled I feel about creating a GoFundMe.... but friends and family have been reaching out asking us to do so as they'd like to help make "Miller to Real Madrid" happen. So, here we are.

We will continue with Miller's plans to help fundraise throughout the year as there ain't no way this kid is going to Spain without some skin in the game.... oh wait, he already put some skin in the game.... well, more skin in the game!

Thank you to everyone who wants to make this happen for Miller. He's a cool kid (if I may say so myself)