Joining our ever-growing list of soccer scholars here at FirstPoint USA is, Keane Johnson McDonald. Keane hails from Stockport, Manchester where he previously attended Stockport School and Marple Sixth Form College. Whilst there he studied Sports Science and Football Excellence. Having recently come to FirstPoint USA, Keane took some time recently to tell us a bit about himself, his reasons for wanting to study in the US, and what he is looking forward to most.
Keane began playing for his first soccer team at the age of six, and has since played for a number of teams. Some of which include Wigan and Bransley Development Centres, New Mills AFC, and Buxton FC where Keane still plays. Throughout his playing career Keane tells us of his three best achievements so far; wining 19 out of 19 games with New Mills Youth team and winning the league; winning Young Player of the Year award across all three teams at New Mills (youth, reserves and first). Keane tells us that his favourite sporting memory has to be winning the league with New Mills Youth Team. Stating…
“The fact we won 19 out of 19 was a great achievement, but the lads I played with made the memory for me. We had all become really close and worked together for each other; it was a real team effort.”
Keane, who has always wished to travel America, told us the opportunity of being able to study as well as play soccer was too good a chance for him to pass up. Upon moving to America, Keane tells us he is most looking forward to the challenges that will come from playing a new standard of soccer. But, he is also excited to meet new people and study something that he thoroughly enjoys.
With regards to his three favourite sportspeople of all time, Keane had this to say…
“Although I am a City fan, Roy Keane has to be number one as I am named after him. He is a true football legend a great leader and a great footballer. I also love Zidane, because of the way he plays football and how composed he is on the ball and how well he passes it. My third choice would be Neymar; he's amazing to watch. He plays football with no fear and isn't afraid to try new things and push himself to do better.”
Finally, we asked Keane where he sees himself being in ten years time. He told us he would love to be playing football at a high enough standard to be making a living. Due to being from the states originally, Keane is hoping that his move out there to study will be permanent. Telling us that if he were not playing football professionally, he would be interested in working in photography or in the sporting industry.
We’d like to thank Keane for taking the time to talk to us, and we wish him the best of luck in the future. You will be able to keep up with Keane’s scholarship process through our various social media platforms.
