By Regan Estes
Sports Editor
Outside of the United States, soccer is one of the most popular sports in the world. For Tomáš Král, soccer is what links him to his new friends in America.
Král has come to America from the Czech Republic and is spending one semester of his senior year at Mira Costa while staying with a host family.
Král began playing soccer when he entered school more than 10 years ago in his home country. Because of soccer’s popularity in the Czech Republic, Král and his neighborhood friends started playing soccer at a young age and eventually joined club teams when they were old enough and ready to play.
“At home, we didn’t have any school teams, so the only way we can play soccer is in clubs,” Král said. “I played for a club in the city where I live called SFC OPAVA. After I leave America, I’ll need to join a new club and play in a league with men instead of playing with only other boys around my age.”
This winter, Král plans to join the boys varsity soccer team as either a midfielder or forward. Aside from his knowledge of soccer, Král brings an upbeat attitude and dedication to his brand new team here at Mira Costa.
“He grew up playing soccer and he follows the top teams in the world,” boys varsity soccer coach Gary Smith said. “He knows what good soccer looks like and he performs that way.”
Král is looking forward to comparing his whole experience in the United States to the life he had while living in the Czech Republic. Král is excited to share his foreign talents with the Mira Costa boys varsity soccer team.
“I’m curious,” Král said. “I don’t know anything about how well soccer is played here or how many spectators attend the games. I’m looking forward to comparing the whole soccer experience with [the] Czech [Republic].”
Smith is optimistic about Král and the Costa season with him joining the team. He hopes that the skills and abilities that Král has developed while playing in his home country of the Czech Republic will help his teammates learn and develop as players and people.
“Tomáš has a very good attitude and work ethic,” Smith said. “He is very respectful and friendly. He has good soccer skills and makes smart decisions out on the field. The players notice that and enjoy having him on the team. He deserves to play, and I’m glad to give him the chance.”
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