As part of our Featured Player content series, SoccerWire will be publishing Q&A articles with recently-committed players who are Featured in the SoccerWire Player Directory. The series will allow players to share their stories on the recruiting process, travel and high school soccer, and their passion for the beautiful game.
In this edition we will showcase Devin Snyder, who has signed with Macclesfield FC Academy in England and will be a full-time member of their residency program while studying at the University of Central Lancanshire. Snyder plays travel soccer in ECNL Boys for FC Dallas’ Youth Academy.
SoccerWire: What made you decide to sign with Macclesfield?
Devin Snyder: I decided to sign for Macclesfield because I think it is a great pathway for young players to make it to the next level. I spent the past two summers at their residency program where I was able to train with some of their current athletes. The coaching style is very different than the U.S. because it has a much higher intensity and I know they will always push me to be my best. They have an 8-month playing season (which starts this year with pre-season training in Barcelona) and are coached by some of the best coaches I’ve ever played for.
SW: How has playing for FC Dallas helped you grow as a player and as a person?
DS: FC Dallas has taught me very important life lessons, like the importance of teamwork, discipline, resilience and always fighting until the final whistle.
SW: What are you interested in studying at the University of Central Lancashire?
DS: I will be studying Sports Business Management and am excited to learn everything that goes on behind the scenes from a business standpoint including marketing, finance, scouting and recruiting, contract negotiations, operations, and everything in between. It will also give me a solid business background to enable future career opportunities.
SW: Growing up who was your favorite soccer player?
DS: Lionel Messi has been my favorite player for as long as I can remember. His ability to dribble through players is incredible and I try and take his techniques and put them into my game.
SW: What made you decide to play in the midfield?
DS: I’ve always liked that scoring starts with the midfield, specifically the attacking midfielder. They are generally the player who distributes the ball to the wide players and initiates the attack.
SW: What’s your favorite goal that you have scored?
DS: I’d have to say one of my favorites was several years ago in a Dallas Cup group stage game. I was about 20 yards out and the ball came rolling out of the 18-yard box. I hit it first time and it flew through the air to go crossbar down and in!
SW: Do you have a favorite pair of soccer cleats?
DS: My favorite pair of cleats would have to be a pair that I had custom made from Nike a couple years ago. They were dark blue with a light blue swoosh and had my name and number on the side. #TeamNike
SW: What’s the best piece of advice that you ever received from a coach or teacher?
DS: The best advice I have been given was by a coach at Macclesfield. He told me to “enjoy the contact the opponent is giving you”.
SW: Is there anyone that you would like to give a shoutout to who has helped you in your career?
DS: I would like to thank my parents for always supporting me and believing in me. I also would like to thank my current FC Dallas ECNL coach, Coach Casey, and all of my coaches at Macclesfield FC for pushing me to be my best.
