Alfie Humphreys '22 Recruiting Profile

From a very early age soccer has always been my passion, as soon as I could walk I was kicking a ball. My Mum recalls me wearing my soccer cleats walking around the mall. Toys and games were not for me just soccer kits, equipment and lots of balls. I attended my first Premier League game at Tottenham Hotspurs at 3yrs of age and my Dad and I still have season tickets today. At 5yrs I started attending local community training sessions in the UK, I was scouted by Crystal Palace F.C, Chelsea F.C and Arsenal F.C. I trained with these teams until I was 9yrs old before deciding to accept a Premier League Academy contract to join Crystal Palace F.C. I loved my time at CPFC and gained huge experience playing against the best players in my age groups from all the UK PL teams and across Europe. 

In 2016 we moved to Silicon Valley for my Dads work, we reached out to San Jose Earthquakes and after several training sessions I signed for their U15 team playing 1yr up, adapting to the style of play in the US was challenging but it didn't take me long to settle. I really enjoyed travelling with my team which enabled me to experience different states and form strong relationships with team mates. After 3 great years with the Quakes the pandemic stopped soccer and school in the Bay Areas. Fortunately I got the opportunity to move to Florida to join IMG Academy, to join their full time soccer program. Moving away from my family and friends proved difficult, but as I had done this several times before I remained focused and embraced the full time aspects that the IMG soccer program provides. The IMG Academy drives student athletes to be independent, mature and focused on sport and academic life in parallel. I have really benefited mentally and physically to this challenge. I feel this will give me a strong advantage going into college life.