Josh Hinzmann (NSW) still remembers the first time he realised he wanted to become a professional soccer player, at the mere age of three years old.
“I remember watching a Socceroos game, and apparently I said to dad, ‘I want to play for them when I’m older!”, he said.
“Next thing I know, I’m signed up at a local team with a bunch of four year olds, and I don’t think we won a game in the first year”, he laughed.
The star attacking-midfielder explained that he had always wanted to make it to the professional stakes, but started to lose hope as he got older.
“It’s always been a dream. It’s been a lot harder in the last couple of years, due to all the political side of things, when it comes to the rep teams and that, it’s all about generally who you know…” he admitted.
“I went back to playing club and slowly gave up on it for a bit, and then I got the NSR letter and thought, ‘why not give it a try?’ Then I got accepted.”
The star was interested in pursuing his playing career overseas, due to the sheer recent growth of the sport over there.
“More people pay attention to it now. The MLS is booming, especially with all the new players and clubs, and all the good players that are going over there at the moment,” he said.
Josh shared that he cannot wait to challenge himself by playing against some of the best young-adults in the league.
He shared that he’s excited for “a new way of life” and “being independent”.
Although being noticed by the American football team remains Josh’s “priority”, the young star admits that regardless, he will be gaining a “life experience” through his journey.
Josh explained that he looks to study “behind-the-scenes” of soccer, wanting to study management or marketing.
“Honestly I’d like to play professionally, that’d be the first priority. But if that doesn’t happen I get a life experience I’ll never get elsewhere…and I still get qualified and have an education to fall back on.”
What an awesome attitude, Josh! We wish you all the best!