Often we see come-up stories of athletes who emerged through dedication and commitment to mold a successful path for themselves. Christian Gaurdino, who arose through a path shaped by his talent and self-presentation, is the best representation of this matrix.
Guardino, a North Penn High School senior and a 4-year member of FC Delco, discovered his talent through mere self-presentation and the ability to adapt in challenging situations. Guardino has been playing soccer since he was 6, developing the skills at a young age that pushed Guardino to the national level at his young age.
The journey of a youth soccer player starts out all the same. Beginning with recreational soccer, but as they increase in skill level they join clubs/travel teams. As their skill set expands and paths change, they might switch clubs, where they will end up being recruited to play in the collegiate level. Guardino began at the recreational level but quickly advanced.
“I originally played soccer for MON-U. (Montgomery United Soccer Club) In my first year playing I scored 3 goals, but the next I popped off and averaged 2 goals a game. I don’t understand how it happened but I was able to adapt and learn quickly,” Gaurdino said.
Guardino’s skillset has drastically improved and with that came new opportunities. Within 2 years, he was noticed by FC Delco’s coach and was invited to try out for the team.
“My coach requested me to move there, and then from there I was able to play at the MLS Next level and other teams that are MLS Next, I’ve been playing for 4 years now and it’s great,” Gaurdino stated.
FC Delco is the region’s MLS Next team and claims the title for having the largest amount of players who end up in a collegiate league. As Guardino ranked up in levels, so did the pressure that came with it. Guardino had to pass through obstacles that could make or break his place on his team.
“Of course, I would love to play professionally, but obviously life doesn’t always go the way you want it, and in college, I plan on pursuing marketing and business,” Guardino exclaimed.
Over the last 4 years playing in MLS Next Guardino has had quite the job trying to juggle soccer, academics, and self-care.
“I try to get as much schoolwork done as possible during the school day, I’ll grind out at home if there’s any more, but right after that, I go straight to soccer. I’ve learned a lot of discipline with my team, practicing 4 times a week and tournaments and games every weekend,” Guardino stated.
Guardino has offers from High Point University to play soccer, where he says he’ll most likely commit.
“Soccer has shaped me into the person I am today, I hope to finish my youth career at FC Delco with a successful last few games,” concluded Christian Guardino with a smile.