Daniel Ivanov first developed an interest in soccer at the age of four years old, when he’d kick the ball with his father on the sidelines of his older brother’s games.
“I was too young to play for competition, but I would beg my dad,” he said.
At the age of 14 years old, Dan realised he wanted to pursue soccer professionally.
“I was put into a pretty serious position and thought, ‘I’m actually keeping up here, let’s see how far we can go with it’”.
This serious interest in pursuing soccer lead Daniel to get involved in NSR, choosing to take his football to the USA.
“Over the last few years, football In America has just hit the roof, it’s just got huge there,” he explained.
“It means more chance of getting somewhere with a career potentially…A lot more chance of getting somewhere than here in Australia, where there’s limited chances.”
Daniel is excitedly preparing to leave for Kansas in mid-August, and is excited not only to start playing soccer, “but the whole lifestyle as well”.
“You’ll be studying, and then a few minutes later you’ve got to go on the field and train with the boys,” he explained.
“Also, the whole experience of leaving home and getting independent,” he said.
“It’s all scary, but it’s a good scary,” Daniel admits.
These feelings are mirrored by the rest of Daniel’s family, as they prepare to see their family member leave for the states.
“They’re both obviously really for it, but it’s just getting to that time. Especially my mum, she’s getting worried about not having me in the house, but she’s really excited and so is my dad and my brother,” he shared.
The soccer player is planning to graduate with a teaching or business degree.
Sounds awesome, Daniel! We’re sure you’re going to have the time of your life!