Wednesday 19th August, 2020 at 2:32pm
When then Partick Thistle YTS Chris Edwards faced up to the fact that he would find opportunities to break into John Lambie’s late 1990s first team extremely limited, little did he know that this sliding doors moment was just the start of a life-changing journey.
Two decades later, Alan Archibald’s former “boot boy” Chris reflects on the role of new Thistle sponsor FirstPoint USA, and in particular Andrew Kean, in helping him swap Firhill for Philadelphia where he is happily and successfully based today.
When did the prospect of a scholar-athlete move to the US first arise and what were your initial thoughts?
Chris: I was at Stirling Albion after Thistle at the time and Andrew presented to players about the scholarship pathway and opportunities Stateside. I was fortunate to work with Kenny Brannigan at Partick Thistle and Stirling Albion. Kenny was someone I looked up to and always offered advice. I was intrigued for sure after Andrew’s presentation and Kenny encouraged me to follow up with Andrew.
What was the deciding factor in convincing you it was the right thing to do?
Chris: I played down at Largs in a trial in front of the College coaches and got a lot of interest. That is when it really became serious for me. Andrew was really helpful explaining the levels of play and what areas the schools were in. Once started communicating with schools and doing some research it really felt like a great life choice. Andrew was great help in detailing some of the opportunities and what was needed to get things done.
What support did you enjoy during the transition and how easy or challenging was it to settle in Oakland, California?
Chris: For me is was exciting. It was all new and I found everyone at Oakland to be super friendly and helpful. I was in touch with Andrew as well just getting updates and asking any questions. It was all done by email back then and in fairness my first email I ever got was set up by Andrew. That was major technology to me at that time! Nowadays it is so much easier to stay connected with friends and family back home. Overall I settled well, I missed family and friends and little things like food, but was really too busy with playing and school that I didn’t have too much down time.
Describe both the academic and sporting experiences you enjoyed while in the States.
Chris: I had been out of school four years before heading to the States so adjusting back to academics did take a little bit of adapting. There were so many resources of help though for athletes with tutors and guidance staff so towards mid-Fall semester I felt much better about the academic side. Eventually I graduated with a degree in Journalism, Political Science and a minor in advertising.
In a soccer sense the facilities were unreal. We flew all over the country, staying at the best hotels and that was fantastic. Adapting to playing in the heat early in the season was tough. My first game was against Creighton down in Nebraska in August. It was a night game and still roasting so that was definitely a different experience. Overall it was great, we won our conference many times, played in the NCAA tournament in the Summer, played in the PDL/USL2 league and won a national championship down in Texas which was live on TV. So the ‘soccer’ experience was really enjoyable. I transitioned from a defender to a forward to so that was a nice change also.
What was your proudest moment?
Chris: Not realizing it fully at the time but my graduation day with my mum and gran there. I wore a kilt which was something that made them happy. (I should also mention I scored a winner against Cincinnati, just to annoy Andrew).
Who were your best mates while studying in the States and have you kept in touch?
Chris: Jason Perry picked me up at the airport when I arrived in 2002. He is now a coach at Butler University and we talk regularly and try to get together when we can. He is a great guy and was a good mate instantly. Mark Thomas was my college room mate and we worked together as recently as a year ago so have kept great connections from the college days. The team always stays connected in some way each year which is nice.
Sum up the impact and influence of your US scholarship on your life in 2020.
Chris: Life-changing. I have been in the States since 2002 and now have a job full-time in football and a beautiful home with Aline and my daughter Clara. The friends made and experiences in that time have been unbelievable. Genuinely the best move was heading to the States on the scholarship path.
What are your main sporting ambitions for the future?
Chris: To continue coaching and continue my coach education. I’m very fortunate to have a great role with FC Delco in the Philadelphia area but my ambition is to try and coach at the highest level possible.
Finally, what advice would you offer to any young athletes considering engaging with FirstPoint USA and seeing the options available?
Chris: I would encourage any young athlete looking to make a positive impact on their life to engage with FirstPoint USA. To get a degree, play a sport you love and travel the States is an incredible opportunity. The opportunities in the States have been amazing for myself so far. Meeting with Andrew and going the scholarship route definitely changed my life. Andrew has lived the scholarship experience as have many of the FirstPoint staff now and are well placed to offer advice and help prospect athletes with their journey.
