We recently caught up with FirstPoint USA client, Dylan Mercer. Hailing from Barnet, London, the soccer player tells us he moved to Nottinghamshire at the age of six. Here, the former John Hunt Primary School and Sir William Robertson Academy student shares with us, some information about his sporting background, his reasons for wishing to pursue a scholarship in the United States, and his plans for the future.
Dylan tells us he has played soccer since the age of eight, after wishing to follow in the footsteps of his father, who was a good player himself. Dylan’s first team was Grove Rangers FC; they needed a goalkeeper and Dylan volunteered his services. During one Summer tournament, Dylan tells us his coach played him out field, he scored two goals and from then on, didn’t look back. In his first competitive season, Dylan states he and his team won the league at U10’s, and he was awarded the Manager’s Player of the Year. The following year, Dylan tells us he played for relegated club, Fernwood Foxes FC; the team had an unbeaten season, winning both the league and the cup. Subsequently, for the next two seasons, Dylan tells us the team played in League 1; finishing in 3rd twice, and twice getting knocked out of the cup in the quarter finals. However, Dylan adds that at 12 years old, he earned himself a six-month period at Lincoln City FC Academy.
Dylan states that his U14’s season was the best of his playing career to date; he and his team won two leagues as well as the cup in an unbeaten season. Following on from this, Dylan states the New Newark Youth League was disbanded, and so he moved to Coddington Tigers where he spent a year and a half. Throughout his time with Coddington Tigers, Dylan states they secured their place in the league, in fourth position, in both seasons and having had 43 assists throughout his second season, Dylan was once again names Manager’s Player of the Year. Dylan continues, stating he was offered a trial at Boston United FC. Determined to get a place, Dylan states that the hard work he put in paid off, and he received a contract just before Christmas of 2017.
With an extensive sporting career behind him so far, we asked Dylan to tell us about his favourite sporting memory to date. He tells us, “My greatest sporting memory was when I watched a play-off game with my Dad; Boston United vs Chorley FC. We were sat in the Chorley end and they were 3-2 down and with the last kick of the game, a player scored a bicycle kick from the edge of the box, and they went on to win the game in penalties.”
Dylan tells us that he was attracted to pursuing a sports scholarship in the States as it will provide him with a platform to study, but also to pursue his soccer career. He hopes that, with the great facilities on offer, and the chance to better his talent as a soccer player, he will make it to the MLS Draft. Upon beginning his life as a US student-athlete, Dylan tells us that he is most looking forward to the using the fantastic facilities that American sports departments have to offer, as well as being able to explore a new part of the world.
We often ask our newest recruits to tell us about their top-three sportspeople of all time; Dylan told us...
“Firstly, my most favourite footballer in the world is, Cristiano Ronaldo. He has provided the sport with so much excitement, and he stretches the boundaries of what humans can do on a football pitch.
Next, it would have to be, Kobe Bryant. As a Lakers fan, he has stuck with the team since he was traded from the Hornets to the Lakers in the draft, and has provided the staples centre with 5 championships and some memorable moments.
But finally, it has to be the greatest of all time, Michael Jordan. He has proven what an athlete can accomplish internally and externally; he has made millions of dollars off the court with his company, but also has the passion and drive to become the greatest in his sport, and one of the most recognisable people in the world.”
Finally, we asked Dylan where he sees himself being in 10 years time. He tells us that he hopes to be playing in the MLS; his dream is to become a professional soccer player. However, he adds that he knows this dream will not become reality, unless he puts in the work.
We’d like to thank Dylan for catching up with us. We’ll keep you updated on Dylan’s progress throughout the scholarship process across our various social media platforms; Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.
Think you’ve got what it takes? Apply to FirstPoint USA today for your once in a lifetime opportunity to head to the States on a sports scholarship:
