07/16/2024
FCHS Goalkeeper's European Journey: A Story of Dedication and Growth
Franklin County High School (FCHS) student and FCHS Varsity Soccer player Dalton Ward was recently scouted by the UDA Soccer Academy and given the opportunity to travel to Europe. There, he trained at Gloucestershire University, a prestigious institution known for its strong soccer program. Dalton left on June 27 and spent 10 days practicing and playing soccer while being evaluated on his goalkeeping skills.
While in Europe, Dalton competed against the professional teams AFC Cheltenham, Falcons FC, and Gloucester City U18. He also experienced the European soccer lifestyle and toured the Premier League Stadium of Wolverhampton Wanderers.
"My experience in England during my UDA Summer Tour was something I'll never forget," Dalton said. "I met a lot of new friends and coaches, but the most challenging thing for me was getting used to playing with different players and adapting to their play style. My performance in the goal was the best performance I've ever had. The coaching was so easy and simple to understand and I felt like I have gotten better as a player and a person while being over there."
Dalton was assessed by several coaches and has been offered an extended invitation. He has returned to the United States with a full schedule for European-style play. Upon completing this schedule and maintaining close contact with his European coaches, Dalton will be re-evaluated in six months for the next phase of his journey.
"I am confident in my ability to grow and improve my skills these next six months," Dalton shared. "I've been practicing and working on footwork and other weaknesses that the coaches pointed out to me. I want to ensure my future in soccer, so I'll do whatever I need to improve my game. I am confident I'll be ready for my six-month evaluation."
Dalton was accompanied by his mother, Tasha Ridinger, who watched Dalton give it all on the field and was bursting with pride by the time they returned home from the trip.
"Seeing him step onto the pitch in England was just enough for me," Ridinger said. "Watching him go out there and absolutely play his heart out was one of the things that I'll remember forever. He grew so much and was taught so much in the time he was over there. He had some really amazing saves. He worked so hard every day towards what he wanted. He was the first one down and ready every morning, waiting in the lobby. He made two really amazing friends that he has kept in touch with and may even have a visit to Indiana in the works. He grew so much and just made me so proud to call him my son."
Despite Dalton's hard work while in Europe, the first day he was home, instead of resting, he went straight to improve his skills based on what he learned about European football.
Reported by Cassie Garrett
