about the scout

First and foremost, I'm a football fan. For almost 30 years, I've supported Manchester United, since I received my first jersey in 1994; a black Eric Cantona Manchester United third shirt. Still have it, too, by the way. By the grace of my lovely wife (who clearly didn't fully realize the extent of my fandom when she married me), most of my week revolves around making time to watch United. Whether at the pub or in the comfort of my own home, I'll proudly don a United jersey and support the Red Devils! Glory, glory, Man United!

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I started playing the game at a young age, around five or six years old, if memory serves, and I began the same way most of us did: on the playground. I had energy to burn, as most children do, and there were far worse ways to burn off those cafeteria lunches. My parents enrolled me in youth soccer--go, Blue Devils!--and for the next six or seven years, faithfully escorted me to evening practices and chilly, early morning matchdays, orange slices next to me in the backseat of the car. 

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When I reached high school, I regret to say my interest in the game waned and I stepped away. It wasn't until college that I rediscovered my passion for the pitch. Intramural soccer was my only option at that point, but I played nonetheless and it felt good. Then my classes got harder and my social life got busier and before I knew it, my twenties arrived. With friends, I played indoor pick-up games, soccer tennis when the weather was nice, and joined a few co-ed and men's leagues. Next thing I knew, my twenties waved good-bye and my thirties showed up like the drop after the top of that first big climb on a roller coaster. I learned quickly that my body couldn't handle playing twice a week and needed longer to recover. I picked up injuries for the first time, including a pulled groin that kept me off the pitch for several months. 

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Accepting my limitations and age was perhaps the most difficult stage of my journey in the beautiful game. I still kick the ball around when I can and even manage a kickabout when my friends are free. At 37, though, I think it's safe to say I won't be buying any new boots anytime soon.

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My legs may not let me play as often as I'd like, but that hasn't stopped me from being on the pitch. These days, you can still find me on the touchline, as a Board Member for a men's semi-pro club in the city where I live. It's been a blast joining Livonia City FC as a member of the board, learning more about semi-pro soccer in the United States, and doing my part to help the club grow. Up the Wheats!

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I know what you're thinking; why should I care what you have to say, scout-ish? I mean, the truth is you really don't have to. In fact, I would encourage you to do your own research, rather than automatically believe what someone with a YouTube channel, website, or Twitter handle says. I do watch A LOT of football, though, probably twenty matches a week, between Premier League, Bundesliga, Eredivisie, Serie A, La Liga, English Championship, and the various cup competitions going on throughout Europe. 

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Furthermore, I read A LOT of football books. I own roughly 50 books about football and keep a handful next to the bed so I always have another one ready when I finish one. From biographies to tactics textbooks, there are some great football books out there. I encourage anyone interested in learning a bit more about football to pick up one or two. 

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If actual credentials are what you're looking for, I have a Bachelor's in Writing, a Master's in Psychology, a certificate in Sports Psychology, and a Level 1 FA Talent ID certificate, Levels 1 and 2 Talent Identification and Level 1 Data Analysis from the Professional Football Scout Association, which allows me to be a scout for any football club. You can also find a few of my thoughts and views on Manchester United over at Stretty News!