Player: Tristen Heath

Tristen Heath has a dream to play soccer professionally and he is doing everything he can to make that dream a reality. Bypassing the college system, this past February Tristen played for fourth division English club Southend United and had the opportunity to be coached by former Hull City manager Phil Brown. Heath was the team captain of the Colorado Olympic Development System in 2011, and was the top goal scorer for the Colorado Rush U16 team in 2013. He played for the US development Academy squad Real Colorado and believes the American developmental system could use some help. With out further adieu, 18 questions with Tristen Heath! 

1. How old are you and where are you from? I’m 18 years old, and I’m from Denver Colorado. 

2. How did you get into soccer? I’ve been playing for as long as I can remember. I’ll have to thank my dad for getting me into the beautiful game at such a young age.

3. What's one skill you think every player needs to cultivate? I think a player’s touch on the ball is the most important. It separates you from everyone else. It’s why guys like David Silva, Andres Iniesta, and Lionel Messi are some of the greatest even though they lack in.

4. Who were your soccer heroes growing up? Zlatan Ibrahimović and Paul Pogba have inspired me a lot.   

5. You decided to forgo College Soccer, why is that? I only have one chance to become the best footballer I can be, so I simply chose the professional route because it’s the best system to develop in.   

6. You had the opportunity to play over in England with Southend United, what was that experience like? It was fantastic. You’re a superstar to the fans. It was the best time of my life, but it was very serious. Everyone is constantly in competition. It’s do or die there, and that was the biggest thrill of it all.

7. What is the difference between the English development system and the American development system? It’s a huge difference. In England the footballers finish secondary school at age 16, and then they go on scholarship at their football club. From then on they’re on the same training program as the first team. It’s much more dedicated to football than the American system is. They also have access to all of the resources that the first team has; the physio’s, the strength coaches, the training facilities, nutrition, the locker rooms, etc.   

8. Currently being a player in the system, how do you think the US developmental system can improve? I think the U.S. developmental would benefit by giving more attention to player well-being. There needs to be more emphasis on injury prevention and recovery. This would allow for more consistent training. 

9. What was it like learning from Phil Brown? It was incredible. He took me in from day one and treated me like one of his own. He’s respected at the top levels of football. Being able to learn tactics from him 1-on-1 in the locker room was special for me.  

10. Were there any great moments on the pitch while he was watching? Let's just say it was a great moment anytime I showed top-class skills on the pitch with him watching. 

11. What’s your worst moment on the pitch over there? It was difficult for me when I lost the ball behind the attacking third of the pitch. 

12. How did do you get past that mistake? I just kept the mindset that you have to forget about your mistake instantly after it happens because the game isn’t going to wait for you.  

13. What is your advice to young Americans who want to play professionally? You’ll be told you’re being unrealistic. You’ll be told to just go to college and play it safe. Don’t listen to any of this if you believe you can make it. It’s also important to have a healthy support system. Find an agent that sees potential in you, and pursue your dream. Don Harmon and PGD Sports have been with me every step of the way. In the end, you get what you put into it.

14. What music do you listen to before a big game? I listen to rap before the game.

15. Where does your motivation come from while you’re playing? I always want to play well for my family, friends, and girlfriend. They’ve done so much to help me get to the point where I am now. It’s also important to me that I glorify God on the pitch with the abilities he’s given me.

16. What do you value most in your teammates? The fact that they stepped on the pitch with me ready to do anything to win. We all fight for each other. It’s a brotherhood. If you have that within your team then everything else will fall into place. 

17. What other sports and activities do you enjoy when you're not playing soccer?  I love to go snowboarding or surfing on time off from football. 

18. What's next for Tristen Heath? The plan is to go back over to Europe in July. I’ll make sure to keep “The18.com” updated!