Player: Roman Hemphill

Roman Hemphill is a 10-year-old kid who already has a lot of soccer under his belt. Roman has played with some of the top clubs outside of the Oklahoma area. He’s played with the Liverpool Academy out of Dallas - which has direct ties to the Academy out of England. In his first tournament with Liverpool, Roman and his team won the whole thing. Roman has also played with the top FC Dallas team. His FC Dallas team was a force as they won every tournament they played in (Upper 90, ESPN Deportes). Their biggest victory was in the Super Copa in Dallas. They beat teams from Florida, Montana, Chicago, Texas, and many other states. Roman scored in the quarters, semifinals, and finals to help this team win the championship. Here are 18 questions with Roman Hemphill. 

1. How old are you?

   10 years old. I was born August 29th, 2005.

2. How did you get into soccer?

   I started playing when I was 4 years old. My dad has played soccer since he was 4 as well and made it all the way thru college. I loved the game since the first time I stepped foot on the field. 

3. What's one skill you think every player needs to cultivate?

   Team play. No one can do it alone, that's the biggest thing I have learned. 

4. Who are your soccer hereos?

   Messi and Neymar. Messi is the best; Neymar will be the best. They both play team soccer to the best of their ability.

5. How would you compare the developmental systems between your FC Dallas team and your Liverpool academy team?

   FC Dallas is emerging as one of the top Academy's around. I really enjoyed my time with Liverpool, but FC Dallas was a completely different level. We didn't lose a game in 1 year when I was with them; we also won one of the biggest youth tournaments of the year - Super Copa. 

6. As a youngster, do you feel like the developmental system in the U.S. has you on the right track? 
   

   I feel they are improving every day. I think we can always do more to catch the rest of the World, but definitely think we are moving in the right direction. 

7. What's your go to move on the pitch?

   My speed and the inside/out move. I have a lot of success with this one.

8. Who is your favorite club to support?

   FC Barcelona. No question.

9. If you could combine players into one player - what skills and players would you assign? (i.e- Bale's speed, Cristiano's shot etc.)  

   I would have Messi's brain and speed, Neymars skill, Ronaldo's shot, and Iniesta's ability to control the game. 

10. What is your greatest moment on the pitch?

    I scored a last minute goal in one of my tournaments last year against a huge rival to win the game and tournament 4-3 in the finals. I had 3 of the 4 goals that game, but the last one was obviously one I will never forget. 

11. What is your worst moment on the pitch?

    We lost a big game (finals of another tournament) with ESC (my club in Edmond as a kid) to a team we would normally beat. They double teamed me the entire game and I was really trying to break free to help my team win. We lost that one 3-2. 

12. How did you get past this moment? 

    I continue to work hard every single day to improve my game. The next time we played that team we beat them 4-1; I had a hat-trick.

13. What is your biggest strength on the pitch?

    My speed and ability to play team soccer. I really work on being a team player.

14. What music do you listen to before games?

    The Script, Fall Out Boy, Twenty One Pilots, Flo Rida, and DJ Khaled.

15. Where does your motivation come from while you're playing?

    I want to be the best. I want to show the world what I was born to do.

16. What do you value most in your teammates?

    Knowing that I can trust them in a tight game. They believe in me, and I believe in them. I want to build them up, not ever to break them down. 

17. What other sports and activities do you enjoy when you're not playing soccer?

    I like to play basketball for fun, ride scooters, workout, see and spend time with my family, and go to church.

18. Where will we see Roman Hemphill in Five years?

    In 5 years I honestly hope to be in Europe playing. I am working hard to prove that I belong there.