Jordan Matthews, Etowah junior, has been playing soccer for five years, but recently took a major stride in Atlanta United’s youth soccer program about a year ago when he began playing for the U17 team.

“It takes a lot of practice and dedication. We usually practice Monday through Thursday right after school and Saturday and Sunday games,” Matthews said.

Matthews first played for the Auburn Thunder, a recreational team in Alabama.

“It was just  not as competitive, and the skill level was not as high as it is in Atlanta,” Matthews said.

While he has to make major sacrifices to his time in order to keep up with the team, it is something he is willing to do to be a part of the program.

“I am influenced by the many professional soccer players that have made it big,” Matthews said.

There is an extensive amount of traveling involved in being on the team, which makes it hard to balance school and soccer.

“Many of my teammates do online school because there is so much traveling. […] Traveling is always a great experience: seeing new places and discovering new things,” Matthews said.

Matthews uses all the components of his character to ensure his success to reach his goals.

“I am a great team leader and have many attributes to help my soccer team get the job done. My weakness, though, is I sometimes have an attitude issues when my teammates do not work hard. In the future, I hopefully see myself playing professionally for Atlanta United and outscoring Josef Martinez,” Matthews said.

Though he is only in eleventh grade, Matthew’s ambition is pushing him to play stronger  and reach higher levels in his soccer career.