CAMP PENDLETON — The base is set to host soccer trials June 8-28 for the Conseil International du Sport Militaire (CISM) first World Football Trophy. The competition, akin to the FIFA World Cup, will occur every four years organized by CISM.
Elite soccer players from the Marine Corps, Army, Navy and Air Force are scheduled to train and compete on base. Scrimmage games are planned against the LA Galaxy and Chivas USA along with local semi-pro teams.
Top athletes will win a spot on the United States Military Soccer Team, which will compete against troops from across the globe this summer.
The team is scheduled to fly to the games in Azerbaijan, Baku on June 29 and is supported by the Armed Forces Counsel and US Soccer Association.
The military world games are sanctioned by the Olympics and International Federation of Association Football.
“Camp Pendleton was unanimously chosen by the Armed Forces Committee and all Service Branches to host the trials,” said Theresa Flores, the base’s sports coordinator.
The International Military Sports Council has 133 member countries and was founded in 1948 with the goal of bringing together troops from around the world for sporting events.
Matches will be held at Camp Pendleton and are free for the public to view.