From football to futbol: Tift County’s Michael Taylor’s inspiring story on signing to play soccer in Spain
Ways to help support Michael and his journey to Spain are linked below.
TIFTON, GA- Mike Taylor came to Tift County’s soccer program out of a hunch of curiosity. Little did he know that last minute idea would bring him the opportunity of a lifetime to play the sport in Spain.
“Starting out, it was really like a joke kind of thing” Taylor said. “I came on the very last day of tryouts, introduced myself, said I wanted to try out for goalie and well, here we are now.”
“You know like Mike said, he just kind of showed up. But you know, he came down and shook my hand and my first thought was ‘wow, what a polite young man’,” said Bobby Earls, Tift County Boys Soccer Head Coach.
Photo: Julio DeLtoro, Owner, Bullseye Photography
Before becoming a soccer star, Mike’s first love was the pig skin. He played at wide receiver for the Blue Devils since he was in elementary school. Although great with his hands, transitioning sports as a sophomore was challenging.
“First couple of games were comical,” Earls said. “Mike had no clue what a goal kick was or a corner kick, but he learned on the fly because he’s a very bright young man.”
Taylor finished his senior year ranking 90th in the Nation and 22nd in GHSA in total saves with 119. Sooner or later, he received the email that would present the opportunity to play soccer and represent his country, state and alma mater in Spain.
“When I started playing soccer, I fell in love with it. This hasn’t been my dream for long, but now it’s my dream to play professional soccer. I’m going to put my head down, play day in and day out and seize this opportunity,” Taylor said.
However, many do not know Mike Taylor’s story beyond surface level.
When he was 13 years-old he arrived home from school to discover his grandmother and his mother both has passed away unexpectedly in the home just less than one year apart. For a while, he did not have a place to call “home”.
Photo provided by Caroline Welch
Until his now “bonus mom”, Caroline Welch, took him in made him one of her own and ultimately helped him overcome an unimaginable situation.
“The only thing that can stop you from doing or being what you want to be is yourself. There’s going to the times in your life where it gets really tough and that’s just with everything in life. There’s always going to be something that you feel like you can’t get through. I’ve had those things prior to soccer,” Taylor said.
Coach Earls says Mike has made an influence on everyone around him, but especially him as a Coach.
“On bad days, I think “if Mike still has a great attitude, there’s no reason I shouldn’t”. I’m supposed to be his teacher, but truly, he’s been mine,” Earls said. “We had t-shirts printed that said, ‘Be like Mike Taylor’ and it’s supposed to be a joke, but it’s really not. Mike’s had obstacles in his life where he could’ve been a jerk. He could’ve just been a kid and given up, but he’s faced obstacles and adversity and just has a wonderful, positive attitude. I think thats the life lesson he is helping pass onto others. That if you show up everyday and give it your very best, good things can happen. On bad days, I think “if Mike still has a great attitude, there’s no reason I shouldn’t”. I’m supposed to be his teacher, but truly, he’s been mine.”
Although these tragedies are apart of his story, he did not allow it to define his future. Taylor recently made history being the first Blue Devil to sign with Eture Sports in Valencia, Spain. A program that only hand picks 34 athletes every year.
Photo is used with permission from Julio DeLtoro, Owner, Bullseye Photography
Photo is used with permission from Julio DeLtoro, Owner, Bullseye Photography
“Most players from there, they leave and go to a D1 school. I mean there’s been players that sign to pro clubs straight out of that program. It’s a really good chance for me to go somewhere big with soccer,” Taylor said.
Photo: Tift County Athletics
Not only does he believes it’s best for his athletic career, but also, his academic.
“He will get to take college classes. He will get to learn a new language, taking a Spanish class and get the college experience. He will be able to play and get trained by professional coaches in Spain and just really get engulfed in that atmosphere,” Earls explained.
Mike wanted to deliver a special message to all who have helped, embraced and supported him to this point.
“Thank you to everybody who helped me get to this point. The support that everybody in the Tift County soccer community has given me has just been crazy. It’s the reason I am doing what I’m doing now. So, thank y’all.”- Mike Taylor
If you found Michael’s story inspiring and want to help or support him on his journey of pursuing his dream in Spain, you can visit the link below to help donate.
If you have questions about the GoFund Me or are a business interested in sponsoring Michael, you can call 229-848-4067 or email michaelspain2324@gmail.com.
