BEYOND THE  GAME WITH JOSH LANEY

Written by Hannah Davis, Providence Day, Class of 2008

Josh Laney is a fourteen-year-old 8th grade student at Carmel Middle School.  With support and inspiration from his family and friends growing up in the Charlotte United family, Laney continues developing as a soccer player.  After doing very good things for his middle school team, this center defender will surely succeed at the high school level next year at South Mecklenberg.

What is your favorite subject in school and why?
“Math because you have numbers and use new formulas to find solutions.  I like to solve problems in general and I’m good at it.”

Who first inspired you to play soccer? 
“The first to inspire me was my sister because when we were growing up, I was always the practice dummy for all the girls on her team.”

Where is the farthest you’ve traveled to play tennis?
“Scotland.  I played soccer against semi-professional U14  and U15 kids, and I got to see Barcelona play three times while I was there.”

Describe your most memorable soccer moment. 
“My most memorable soccer moment was in Charlotte United’s Julian Brown tournament.  I took a penalty kick, which the keeper blocked at first, but I followed my shot and scored.”

Who motivates you most to push yourself and succeed in the sport?
“The person that motivates me most with soccer would be my mom.  She was there cheering me on, motivating me, smiling after a tough loss, and came to games even when she wasn’t feeling well.  I now play in memory of Mom and I know she is watching me from up above and cheering my team and I on.

Where do you see yourself in five years in the soccer world?
“I will hopefully have a soccer scholarship in college at either Clemson, UNC, or NC State.”

Who is your favorite soccer player? 
“P. T.—Patrick Tate.  He played his whole club career at United and played all four years on the varsity team at South Meck.  He earned a soccer scholarship at UNC-Asheville and has a slot for an A-League team, the Charleston Battery.”
What are your soccer plans for the summer? 
“One weeklong camp for high school at UNC-Charlotte, and I might do training with Ephram.  I may possibly be going to a Clemson camp, too.”

What is something about you that would surprise most people?
“I am also a very good tennis player and enjoy swimming at Old Georgetown with the best coach, Leslie Berens.”

What is your favorite soccer team in the world?
“FC Barcelona. They have talented players, and I like the style of play when I watch their matches.”