We recently caught up with FirstPoint USA client, Sonny Daykin. Hailing from Islington, North London, Sonny is one of the most recent soccer players to join the ranks here at FirstPoint USA. Sonny is a former pupil of both the London Nautical School, and Camden School for Girls Sixth Form – where he completed his A Levels. Here, Sonny shares with us, his sporting background and highlights, his reasons for wishing to pursue a sports scholarship in the States, as well as his future aspirations.
Sonny tells us he has had an interest in soccer from a young age, and played with professional football club, Leyton Orient, between the ages of 8-15. Throughout his time there, Sonny tells us that playing against big teams such as, Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham, was a terrific test and also a great achievement. Sonny also notes, that throughout his time at Leyton Orient, he had the opportunity to tour to different countries to play.
With a number of years’ experience behind him, we asked Sonny to tell us about his favourite sporting memory to date...
“My favourite sporting memory, is being able to train with the First team of a League 1 club (at the time) at the age of 14. I was fortunate enough to be able to miss school once a week to do ‘day release’. This enabled me to be able to train with the first team once a week. I feel like this really matured me as a young student of the game, and provided me with an insight of how fast the game is, and how hard I needed to train in order to get there.”
Sonny tells us that he was attracted to the idea of pursuing a sports scholarship in the US, as it will give him the opportunity to adopt a lifestyle and routine that he previously whilst playing soccer; balancing studying with training and playing commitments. Upon moving to the US and beginning his life as a student-athlete, Sonny tells us that he is most looking forward to being independent. He stated, “I feel like this is a time in my life where I need to be able to do everything by myself, as opposed to seeking help from others.”
We asked Sonny to tell us about his top three sportspeople of all time...
“Cristiano Ronaldo: Ronaldo is the one particular athlete which I idolise the most. I feel that how he is perceived by others, and how he deals with hate is extremely inspiring. That is not to mention his extreme dedication to the sport; he has had to train intently for years to get where he is today.
Iker Casillas: As a goalkeeper myself, I am fond of Casillas, as I am not the tallest goalkeeper. To be at just 6ft [tall] and captain his own country to a winning World Cup, two Euro Championships, as well as a Champions League, proves that you don’t have to be the tallest goalkeeper in order to be the best.
Gennady Golovkin: Golovkin is an individual who has such a mind-boggling power. I feel like his humbleness as well as sportsmanship is something which all athletes should align themselves with.”
Finally, we asked Sonny where he sees himself being in 10 years time. He stated that he hopes to be doing something he enjoys; whether that be working within economics or having something to do with the game that he loves.
We’d like to thank Lloyd for catching up with us. We’ll keep you updated on Lloyd’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:
