HOWARD, Wis. (WFRV) – Former United States Men’s National Team, Vancouver Whitecaps FC and Watford centreback Jay DeMerit returned on Tuesday to where it all began for him on the pitch to teach the next generation.
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DeMerit was born and raised in Green Bay, starring in three different sports for Bay Port High School, but of course, standing out on the pitch for the soccer team. He also played with the Howard Hurricanes Soccer Club.
On Tuesday, DeMerit was back in Howard for a one-time Soccer Mentorship event hosted by RISExSHINE, a new platform he co-founded with Electronic Arts.
The three-hour session wasn’t just about actual soccer skills competitions, but also leadership. The event was designed to teach youth players about the importance of forging a strong mindset and mental fitness.
In addition to the pitchside activities and lessons, DeMerit hosted a fireside chat with University of Wisconsin-Green Bay’s men’s soccer coach John O’Reilly and women’s coach Matt Kagan to discuss leadership, personal growth and the importance of finding purpose off the pitch.
DeMerit was a captain for Watford during his time in both the Premier League and Championship, while also captaining the Whitecaps when he arrived in Major League Soccer.
He also played all four matches for the United States in the 2010 FIFA World Cup, including the epic draw against England and helped the Americans clinch the top spot in their group during one of the organization’s most famous matches, a 1-0 win over Algeria.
DeMerit also helped the U.S. defeat global superpowers Spain in the 2009 Confederations Cup, considered one of, if not the greatest, wins in U.S. Soccer Federation history.
