He won numerous titles and has been coaching youth soccer for 18 years, including the last six in Michigan where he currently runs the Sam Makki Training Academy.

He played professionally in Europe and Asia for 12 years, including six with the Irish Army as part of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Lebanon (1986-1992) where he was an MVP and leading scorer.

Makki, who now calls Livonia home, also played five seasons (1992-97) for the Division 1 Al-Tadamon Club, was drafted for the Lebanese National Team (1993-94), and spent two years with the East Fife F.C. of the Scottish Football Association's Division II circuit (1997-1999).

Makki will now take his 'B' International License Diploma and 'C' coaching license to a different pitch.

A man who once juggled a soccer ball 3,516 times on the beach without dropping it, will embark on a trip to Greece this week as an assistant coach for the USA National Deaf soccer team.

The World Championships for the Deaf begin July 3 in Patros, Greece where the USA squad takes on Holland in the opener. The rest of the group includes China, Russia and France.

The four group winners will then advance to the elimination round.

Makki will assist Ken McDonald with the USA squad, which consists of players from 21 different states.

Two training camps were held December and April in Florida to select the top deaf USA players to compete abroad. Both McDonald and Makki will have interpreter every step of the way.

"We have some very good athletes, pro-like players and it's been very fun,' Makki said. "We'll have a few days in Athens to get used to the ground and the atmosphere. Some players wear hearing aides. I also know a little (sign language) and they understand.

"But during the games sometimes it's hard to understand, so we use sign language to communicate.'

While Makki was doing training for his 'A' coaching license in Florida, he was asked to help out McDonald, who invited him to come aboard as an assistant.

Makki also will help start and be the head coach for the USA Deaf under-21 boys national team, which is scheduled to compete later this year in Korea.

Of course, the trips don't happen without financial support. Those interested in helping out USA National Deaf soccer team can contact Makki at (313) 613-0081; or you can also visit www.makkitraningacademy.com.

Brad Emons is the Livonia-Westland Observer sports editor. He can be reached at (734) 953-2123; or via e-mail at bemons@oe.homecomm.net.