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“Grown in America: Play Fueled by Peanuts” is a nationwide campaign that shines a spotlight on the rising stars of soccer – young athletes from across the country who are putting in the work, powering their performance, and doing it all with fuel that’s as American as the game is global: peanuts.
As part of The18’s campus tour with the National Peanut Board, we’re connecting with college players to hear their stories, get their takes on the sport, and find out how they stay game-day ready.
While every athlete’s journey is unique, one thing unites them all: how they fuel matters. With 7 grams of plant-based protein per ounce and key nutrients like niacin and magnesium to support energy production and muscle recovery, peanuts are more than just a snack – they’re part of the performance plan.
We sat down with UMass Men’s Soccer player Matt Fordham to learn more about how he trains, what drives him, and what fuels him, on and off the pitch.
Finding success in the college soccer landscape takes incredible resolve, grit and growth for any player. The case of UMass veteran defender Fordham illustrates the challenges soccer provides as well as the necessary tools for recovery.
Fordham is set to enter his fifth year for the UMass Minutemen and will represent a new club next season: The Health Nut Club.
The Health Nut Club celebrates all the nutritional and functional benefits of peanuts that make peanuts the perfect on-the-go fuel.
The National Peanut Board will be cheering on Fordham as he continues to grow in the sport. Peanuts have more protein than any nut (7g per serving), containing more than 30 essential vitamins and minerals, and are a good source of fiber and good fats.
“I was a huge peanut guy growing up,” Fordham said. “I mean, me and my brother would eat peanut butter and jelly sandwiches every day. I'd take two to school lunch and all that. So I've been eating peanut butter for a while.”
Peanuts are still an important part of the UMass defender’s diet as he prepares for next season.
“For breakfast, I'll do like peanut butter on a piece of toast with some banana on top. I've been enjoying that more. But yeah, still a huge peanut butter guy,” Fordham said.
The defender’s career has been full of growth and overcoming challenges. Fordham walked on to the team as a freshman and earned himself a few minutes as he grew into the team. The next season he became a lock for the starting lineup appearing in 18 games.
His journey took an unexpected turn his junior year when a season-ending ankle injury just three games into the campaign. While the world of college soccer is unpredictable, Fordham overcame his injury and helped lead UMass to the college soccer quarterfinals for his fourth year on the team.
Fordham says he looks to improve with every season.
“I think just every season that I play I try to get better as a player on and off the field. If I can improve myself enough to be able to continue on soccer past college, that'd be amazing. But just enjoy the time I have on the pitch,” Fordham said.
