Athlete of the Week: The Soccer Star

It would be hard to count the number of ways Eddie Falkowski, 17, can outshine you on a soccer field. Now a varsity soccer player for St. John's High School in Shrewsbury, the Northborough native has maintained his zealous routine since his early playing days in the Northborough Youth Soccer Association (NYSA).

Not only has the NYSA made the biggest impact on his young athletic career, but the life lessons of teamwork and determination have also been nothing short of success. When his last season finally comes to an end, the defenseman can boast that hard work truly does pay off. "Northborough as a town has fielded good teams at all levels - behind supportive coaches," he says, adding that he thrives on competition. "These teams play the best competition in the area and succeed."

Northborough Patch:  You've been a part of the NYSA since U6. What excites you most about the league?

Eddie Falkowski: That all skill levels and age groups are continually challenged. I have been lucky enough to play soccer at all levels offered by the NYSA. I have played at the recreational level, the NCUP (Nashoba Cup) level, and I have also had the opportunity to play on two teams that qualified for MTOC (Massachusetts Tournament of Champions).  

NP: Based on those experiences, what would you say is the most important attribute a soccer player needs?

EF: The ability to work with a team is the most important attribute a soccer player needs. Like the saying goes, there is no "I" in team. The best teams that I have played on have had the most team chemistry, not necessarily the best individual players.

NP: Did you feel any pressure when you joined the varsity soccer team at St. John's for the first time?

EF: My teammates and I have been playing together since freshman year. We are all close friends and enjoy playing for St. John's.  As tryouts rolled around, we wanted to stay together as a unit and we all felt the pressure of tryouts. We were relieved when the final decisions were made.

NP: With the summer vastly approaching, how do you plan to stay in shape?

EF: Tryouts are tough and you have to stay in shape for the season. Luckily, I have been running track this past spring season as well as playing for a Northborough U18 team. As the summer rolls around, I will continue speed training and long distance running. I will also do strength training to continue to keep up with the increasing level of physical play.

NP: Some would argue that soccer players are known to embellish contact with an opponent in order to get a whistle from the referee. What is your stance on this behavior?

EF: Speaking as a defender, I hate "floppers." However, you have to recognize that it is part of the game.

NP: Seeing how far you've advanced and developed as a player in the NYSA, do you see yourself coaching in the near future?

EF: I love the game of soccer. To be able to pass this love onto younger players would be fantastic.

NP: Tie score, sudden death penalties...what's your go-to kick?

EF: My go-to kick is simple. No fanfare. Drill the ball. Either lower corner, right out of the keeper's reach.