As a child, I had a dream of playing professional soccer. I used to watch games with my grandma, and I’d always imagined myself being very good when I played with friends, although in reality, I wasn’t. I had a rough childhood, and as I got older, my dream was but a distant thought buried in the back of my mind.

I joined a team with some friends but I lacked the skills and speed to be able to make a difference in the games we played. I wanted to try out for the high school team but was informed that second year seniors could not try out. Haha!

As time passed, I got involved in things that were not good for me. Eventually, I was able to move forward, and when that happened, I met someone who helped change my life. I met a friend of the late great Pelé, Coach Dabo, who had his own soccer academy where he coached and developed soccer players. He allowed me to train with them, and I gave it my all and developed into a really good player, or so I have been told. So much so, that I tried out for some professional teams, mostly 2nd division teams, but still! It was a great experience, and although I didn’t make the teams, I still got to play, and I enjoyed it every single time I played. I play as an attacker, and in my most recent game, I scored 2 goals!

I am so grateful to be able to do what I love and enjoy it at the same time. Thank you for reading! Thank you, thank you, thank you!