Two injuries to his left foot have given Vancouver Whitecaps’ captain Jay DeMerit a new perspective on his life in the world of soccer.
The Whitecaps’ central defender is taking time while he recovers from foot issues to work soccer camps in Vernon. He is sidelined with a torn ligament in his left ankle, the same foot he tore his achilles last spring.
“My next goal is to be a soccer ambassador for the sport,” said DeMerit.
DeMerit and the Whitecaps realize the importance of continual development of soccer in North America.
“I come to these camps because it’s one thing for these kids to see someone on TV, but it’s another to see him up close at camps and working with kids,” said DeMerit. “It’s important to be accessible to the kids and show them that we are normal just like them.”
The 34 year-old remembers what it was like to be a kid running around in soccer camps, idolizing the instructors.
“I attended summer camps all my life. The experiences I had as a youngster helped me when I needed to call upon certain skills later on in my career,” said DeMerit.
Growing up in the shadows of Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisc. it is understandable who his heroes were.
“Growing up my idols weren’t soccer players, they were Packers. But you have to have role models on the field to aspire to,” said DeMerit. “I wanted to be like them.”
Having visions, role models and goals are how DeMerit was able to achieve his goals.
“My goal growing up was to get a college scholarship. It was never to play in England or in the World Cup,” said DeMerit. “It was once I got to college where I set my sights on taking a chance at playing pro.”
The 6-foot-1 centre back’s career took off once he headed to the University of Illinois at Chicago. From there he made his professional debut with the Chicago Fire of the USL Premier Development League. Playing with the Fire gave him the opportunity to play for Watford FC in England.
DeMerit played for the Golden Boys from 2004-2010, a time where he made 25 appearances with the United States national team from 2007-2012.
The highlight of his time with the national team was when he played every second in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
“It looks just like it does on TV, but to be there knowing that there is a billion people watching you on TV, there’s probably people from 100 different countries in the stands and remembering all the hard work and support from family and friends has paid off was very emotional,” said DeMerit.
One thing the buzzcut, scruffy-bearded Whitecaps captain won’t forget about the World Cup was the noisy vuvuzela’s.
“It sounded like I had a bee buzzing in my ear the entire time,” said DeMerit.
While his days with the national team are over, DeMerit is focusing on giving back with the Whitecaps.
“My soccer experience is coming full spectrum. I have experience at every level of soccer so I’m trying to help people out whenever I can,” said DeMerit.
There seems to be some momentum building in the sport with the budding success of the Toronto FC and the Whitecaps, matched with the recent results of the U.S.A. men’s soccer team.
“Anyone who can’t see the growth in soccer in North America is blind,” said DeMerit. “The sheer numbers are there. The focus now is how are we going to turn these kids into real soccer players. We need to develop the proper infrastructure in the sport and hire the correct coaches to keep the education in soccer going.”
