Georgia Teen Uses Summer of Soccer to Inspire the Next Generation

As soccer captured the imagination of fans across America this summer, one Georgia teenager decided to make sure the excitement reached his own community.

Jordan "Jordy" Gray, a rising senior at Mount Paran Christian School and an MLS NEXT player with Southern Soccer Association, spent part of his summer giving back through Super Kickers FC, the youth initiative he founded to introduce children to soccer regardless of their experience or financial circumstances.

Over the course of two free community clinics in Acworth and Union City, nearly 100 children learned the fundamentals of soccer while discovering lessons in teamwork, confidence, discipline, and perseverance.

For Gray, the clinics represented something much bigger than teaching passing drills and shooting techniques.

"Soccer has done so much for my life. It teaches discipline, teamwork, fitness, and most of all, it's fun," Gray said. "I love working with young athletes and introducing them to this wonderful game. I hope more kids will consider soccer as their sport after coming to a Super Kickers Soccer Clinic."

"Soccer has given me so many opportunities throughout my life," Gray said. "What I've learned is that some families simply haven't been exposed to the sport, while others may be unsure about the time and financial commitment involved. Super Kickers FC gives kids a chance to experience soccer, learn the fundamentals, and discover whether they love the game."

The inaugural Super Kickers FC clinic launched in June in Acworth, followed by a second clinic in July in partnership with the City of Union City. Together, the events introduced dozens of children to soccer through skill stations, games, friendly competition, and mentorship from Gray and fellow MLS NEXT players.

Mayor Vince Williams praised the partnership: "We're excited to have Jordan Gray and the Super Kickers team here in Union City to work with our youth and show them why soccer is evolving so swiftly in Georgia. This was an opportunity for our kids to receive world-class training, be exposed to new opportunities, and become not only better athletes, but even better individuals."

Parents noticed the impact as well. "Events like this help kids become more familiarized with the game of soccer," said Peter Baubles. "This event was perfect. Jordy and the other trainers did a great job teaching the kids."

Eleven-year-old Charlie McGee summed up the experience from a participant's perspective: "The coaches made us work hard, but it was also a lot of fun. This is a really good camp because it focuses on the fundamentals of soccer."

For Jordan Gray, success is not measured only by goals scored or championships won. It is measured by the smile of a child making a first pass, the confidence built after mastering a new skill, and the possibility that one afternoon on a local soccer field might inspire the next generation of players.

This summer, while millions watched soccer's biggest stars, nearly 100 Georgia children discovered that the beautiful game might have a place in their own future.

Coach Jordan Gray teaches a Super Kicker how to dribble and shoot.