Kofa soccer player Nichols to represent Team USA in Holland

For some teenagers, this summer offers a chance to get out of town on a family vacation, or earn a little extra spending money at a summer job.

For T.J. Nichols, it offers the chance of a lifetime.

The soon-to-be Kofa sophomore, who played varsity soccer as a freshman, leaves Thursday to represent Team USA in the fourth annual Youth Friendship Games in Amsterdam, Holland from July 25-29.

The event brings together about 11,000 athletes ages 11 to 18 from 25 countries to participate in a variety of sports.

"I was pretty surprised and excited. Not many people get to do this kind of stuff so it was a real big honor," said Nichols, who will play in an under-15 division. "I'm just looking forward to going there and representing my country, and I'd like to see Europe, too, because it's a once in a lifetime opportunity."

The People to People Sports Ambassadors program, which was created by President Dwight Eisenhower in 1956 to foster communication and camaraderie among America's youth with those in other countries, selects the teams. To gain consideration, players must first be nominated. Nichols impressed the right people at a camp in San Diego, which got the process started. He received recommendations from Kofa coach Jamie Nicewander and both of his assistant coaches.

Nicewander had to measure his skills and submit an evaluation, and Nichols had to go for a personal interview in San Diego.

Nicewander added that though Nichols went through an extensive and expensive process, the experience will be worthwhile.

"Like anybody, the better competition you get, the better you're going to become yourself," he said. "It's always a benefit to anybody when they can welcome a new challenge.

"It was an honor to get picked, but it's almost like a duty or a job for him, too, because he's going to represent the U.S. I think it'll be a great event for him personally."

The 10-day trip won't just be about soccer. Nichols said he's looking forward to taking in some of the culture in his first experience outside North America.

"I heard Amsterdam is a really big city," he said. "We're probably going to go site-seeing, and probably go to other countries in Europe, too."

While Nichols is guaranteed a spot on the national team, he must compete against the best players in the United States at his age group for playing time in a preliminary tryout upon arrival in Amsterdam. Then, when the Games begin, he'll play against the top international players.

"You can't really worry about how good other people are, you have to play your game," Nichols said. "That's what I'm going to try to do. I'm just going to play my game and see if it works."

Nicewander added that the chance to travel overseas where soccer is significantly more popular is a great opportunity for his midfielder.

"(Soccer) is definitely the largest participation sport in all of Europe so there is a whole different feel, no doubt about it," he said. "I think it'll be a nice eye-opener for him."

Derrik Miller can be reached at

dmiller@yumasun.com or 782-6520.