During the summer of 2007, the NLSA Thunder traveled to Columbus Ohio for an opportunity to train with the Columbus Crew.  The team participated in a private training session run by several players and coaches including Kai Kamara (currently starring with the San Jose Earthquakes) and Assistant Coach Vadim Kirillov.  The team competed against some highly-ranked teams in the State of Ohio, including the Columbus Crew's Crew Juniors for a match inside Crew Stadium, as well as the WASA Elite Eagles.  In addition, the boys and their siblings had an opportunity to meet Eskadarian and future Hall of Famer, Eddie Pope, and were given a private tour Crew Stadium.