Local Boys Hope to Earn Soccer Scholarships

By Meg Dawes  |  Associate Editor, Sports

GUMBORO, Del. — After nearly 14 years of careful saving, sacrifice, and skipped vacations, the Parker family of rural Sussex County has reportedly decided to cash in their twin sons’ college fund in order to purchase four tickets to this summer’s World Cup match in Philadelphia.

The family says the decision was not made lightly, but ultimately agreed that opportunities to see international soccer superstars in person are rare, while college “will probably still be around later.”

“When are you gonna get another chance to maybe see Messi play right up the road?” asked father Darren Parker while standing outside the family’s mobile home Tuesday evening. “Harvard can wait.”

The Parker twins, Caleb and Mason, recently turned 14 and play midfield for their local school soccer team, where coaches describe them as “hard workers” with “surprisingly decent footwork.”

Both boys had previously expressed interest in attending college someday, though family priorities reportedly shifted after ticket prices for the World Cup began climbing above $1,500 per seat.

According to relatives, Caleb had once hoped to study nuclear physics, while Mason dreamed of pursuing medicine and cancer research. However, both teens agreed those ambitions pale in comparison to the excitement of watching elite athletes slowly maneuver a ball around a field for three hours before a thrilling 1–0 final score.

“I think seeing professional soccer up close could really inspire the boys,” said their mother, Tracy. “Maybe they’ll learn enough to get scholarships. Then the college pays us back.”
The family remains optimistic the investment will pay off long-term, despite having spent nearly every dollar previously earmarked for tuition, housing, books, and future educational expenses.

“Those scholarships are out there,” Darren explained confidently. “One of these colleges has gotta need two skinny white kids from Gumboro who can run pretty good.”

Neighbors say the boys have loved soccer ever since they were little, considerably more than science, biology, or academics in general.

“Darren don’t really understand all that fancy school stuff,” said family friend Ronnie Hearn. “But he understands sports. To him, athletics is success. Plus these tickets came with parking.”

The Parkers next were reportedly discussing whether selling the family pickup truck could help cover concession prices inside the stadium.

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