With a few pen strokes tonight at Christian Brothers High School you can send The University of Memphis men's soccer team halfway across the globe.
The 5th annual silent auction for men's soccer will be held tonight in Heffernan Hall at CBHS. The event will provide anyone interested a chance to bid on a variety of items to help the team fund a European trip to Holland and Belgium.
"It's a great opportunity for the (soccer) alumni to get together," said Richie Grant, head soccer coach.
Among the items up for auction are rounds of golf from area courses, restaurant vouchers, jerseys from the European soccer clubs and a signed jersey from former Tiger Daniel Dobson, currently playing for the Kansas City Wizards of Major League Soccer.
Items were also donated by U of M coaches from various programs, such as football memorabilia from head coach Tommy West, items from track coach Glen Hayes and dinner at Cal's Steakhouse with head basketball coach John Calipari.
"Each year it shows the respect different programs have for each other," Grant said.
The event will last from 7 - 9 p.m. and costs $25 for soccer alumni and students, $60 per individual and $500 for a sponsor table that seats 10.
Grant said the goal for this year's auction is $10,000, $2,000 higher than last year's total of $8,000.
During the auction, attendees will have the chance to chat with Northeastern State University men's and women's soccer head coach Charlie Mitchell. Formerly with St. Mirren of Scotland and the New York Cosmos of the North American Soccer League, Mitchell has years of experience in the soccer world.
"He's got great stories," Grant said. "He's played with Pele and George Best."
Andy Metcalf, a senior next season, said he's going to take advantage of Mitchell's expertise.
"He's probably going to be annoyed with me because I'm going to be asking so many questions," he said.
The proceeds of the auction will go toward the approximate cost of $30,000 for the European trip.
Currently, the soccer team has raised $5,000 toward that cost through T-shirt and hat sales.
During the trip, the Tigers are scheduled to play three exhibition matches against top club teams, including Ajax, Holland's premier soccer team.
For Memphis soccer players who have dreams to play soccer for a living, the trip would provide an opportunity to gain first-hand experience about soccer overseas.
It may also provide a professional starting point.
"There's no telling who is going to be at the game watching," said Metcalf.
The trip is scheduled for May 5 - 15.
