NECOCHEA, ARGENTINA - Jonathan Potter and Ariel Pimentel, both members of Chowan University's men's soccer program, are getting to experience soccer in an entirely different realm this summer. The two young men have been participating in a soccer training program in the soccer-rich country of Argentina. The month long academy offers these players extensive training and exposure to the world's most notable sport. 

Potter, a native of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, is a rising senior on the men's soccer program and has started most of his career for the Hawks as a defender. Pimentel hails from Virginia Beach and was a redshirt in 2008. The two were offered a slot to train in the academy after connecting with Andres IIsacs, an assistant soccer coach at Carson-Newman College. Chowan's Head Coach, Ken Miller, and IIsacs played together at Carson-Newman College. 

"This academy is intense," said Miller. "They are training throughout the day, sometimes up to four sessions per day. They will compete against other academies throughout the region in Argentina." 

As soccer goes, each country has their own philsophies on instruction and play. Miller states that his players are getting a great opportunity to learn about a different style of play. "These two young men are getting to experience a different perspective about the game from a soccer rich country like Argentina," said Miller. Argentina has two World Cup Championships and is well-known world wide for producing soccer powerhouses. 

These players are training in the province of Buenos Aires, in the city of Necochea. Necochea is a port city located about 330 miles from Buenos Aires City.

Miller and his squad will beginpreseason practice in mid-August. They will open the season at home against Miller's alma mater, Carson-Newman College on August 28th. That match is set to start at 5:00pm.