Titlings
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The little boy who once perched on my shoulders, jumped on me in the pool, or excitedly woke me up for Marvel movie marathons is now taking a giant leap across the globe to pursue his dream.
When people ask me about my oldest son, Cellan (now 18), moving away to play football in America, I always reply with a resounding, ‘100 percent yes!’ But maybe I’m not being completely honest, beneath that enthusiasm, I’m a bundle of nerves.
I can’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of pride in what Cellan has accomplished. His journey hasn’t been easy. At just seven years old, he faced the life-altering diagnosis of type 1 diabetes. It would change everything. For nearly two years, the sport he loved was placed on hold, as we meticulously monitored his blood sugars. Food was measured, and every activity hinged on its potential impact on his health. Despite these immense challenges, Cellan took it all in his stride, demonstrating an unwavering spirit and never a hint of complaint.
The early years
During those early years, he often trailed behind me as I managed and assisted local football teams in the Kent league and Sunday league. And then one day, “Dad, I want to play again”. Without a second thought, I stepped down from adult football and immersed myself in the world of junior coaching, where he found his new home at Loose FC under my guidance.
Together, we worked tirelessly, watching him grow, and eventually, he earned a spot on a JPL team with a local academy.
The academy environment
Adapting to the academy environment took time, but Cellan’s determination and sheer will power saw him climb the ranks until he became a regular in the line-up. His dedication caught the attention of Kings Hill, where he continued to flourish at Kent youth level, and later, at academy level with a local club. Unfortunately, his time there didn’t conclude as we had hoped, due to some less-than-ideal coaching dynamics, an experience we won’t delve into here. Nevertheless, this twist in his path only fuelled the fire in Cellan’s heart.
The American dream
Now, it’s official. Cellan is off to university in America on a football scholarship to play for Georgia Military College. Out of over 2,000 applicants, he stood out as one of only 60 chosen. A testament to his talent and determination. This opportunity is the result of his relentless drive to improve and learn from coaches who value every player, rather than just a select few.
As a family, we are beyond proud. The boy who was underestimated at every turn is now poised to carve out his own path. The future looks incredibly bright, and we can’t wait to see him shine on the field.
So, go smash it, Cellan! This is your moment to write your own story, and we’ll be cheering you on every step of the way.
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