We recently caught up with FirstPoint USA client, Killian Lyons. Hailing from Kilfinane, Co. Limerick, Killian is one of the newest soccer players to join the ranks here at FirstPoint USA. Here, Killian shares with us, some more information about his sporting background, his reasons for wishing to pursue a sports scholarship in the States, and his aspirations for the future.
Having attended both Kilfinane National School and Scoil Pol in Kilfinane, Killian tells us that he has been playing soccer since 2009. From 2011-2013, Killian was on the Limerick County and District team; currently, he plays for Ballylanders FC. Having been involved in the sport for some time, we asked Killian to tell us about his favourite sporting memory to date. He stated, “My favourite sporting memory was my first time seeing Manchester United play. I have been a lifelong fan and finally got to see them play; the atmosphere was amazing. It was a good game, but no goals until the 88th minute when Dimitar Berbatov scored the winner. It was amazing just to finally hear the cheer of Old Trafford in person.”
Killian added, “My favourite soccer experience was going to Madrid with a soccer academy; I had just turned 14. We went to the Bernabeau, the see the Rayo Vallecano team train, and trained twice a day; it was a great insight into the life of a footballer. We also played two matches against the Rayo Vallecano academy team, and an international academy team. It was the experience of a lifetime.”
Killian tells us he was attracted to the idea of studying in the States as it offers something new; the option to study and play soccer in an unfamiliar place. As having sport and education on the same level of importance is so rare in Ireland, Killian feels this will be a fantastic opportunity to see how things are done in other parts of the world.
Upon beginning his life as an American student-athlete, Killian tells us he is most looking forward to the excitement of college sports. Stating, “You see videos online of the atmosphere and the big crowds that show up to college sports games; it’s just spine tingling. The passion from the fans just looks amazing.”
As we often do with our newest clients, we asked Killian to tell us about his top three sportspeople of all time...
“Paul Scholes; as even though he was small, that didn’t stop him. He played in centre midfield with players much bigger than him, but he still managed to boss every game like it was nothing. His vision was next to nobody, and that’s why he was such a talent. He was also a quiet man; after becoming famous for Manchester United, he didn’t rise above anyone else, feeling he was on the same level as everyone else.
Roy Keane; as he never let anyone take advantage of him or his teammates. When he was at the World Cup in 2002, he didn’t feel Mick McCarthy was treating the team the way he should have been. So, he told Mick McCarthy what he thought, which lead to him leaving the squad. He just doesn’t care what people think of him, he put his body on the line, and was one of the best examples of a captain seen in any sport.
Connor McGregor; as he came from very little. When he decided he wanted to do the MMA, a huge amount of people told him he couldn’t do it; including his parents. Even though nobody believed in him, he believed in himself and became one of the best in his trade, proving so many people wrong in the process.”
Finally, we asked Killian where he sees himself being in 10 years time. He tells us that he hopes to be playing soccer professionally. It has been a lifelong dream of his to become a professional soccer player, and he hopes that getting a scholarship could help to increase his chances. However, Killian states that if this does not happen, he hopes to either be coaching a soccer team to a high standard, or working within Sports Media.
We’d like to thank Killian for catching up with us. We’ll keep you updated on Killian’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:
