GPS Portland Phoenix Feature -- www.mainepremiersoccer.com
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
PORTLAND, Maine -- As the PDL season draws closer, GPS Portland Phoenix will be featuring former players every week to see where their soccer career has taken them after playing for the Phoenix.
Next up is former Phoenix midfielder Paul Nicholson, who has worked his way through the College and PDL soccer system to the professional ranks. After leaving the Phoenix in 2010, he found his way to USL PRO, and recently signed for his fourth season with the Wilmington Hammerheads.
Q: Can you explain your soccer experience growing up, where you played, & for what team?
A: I started playing soccer when I was around eight years old for my dad’s team, Whitehaven Social. It wasn’t until I was 12 that I got scouted and was asked to play for the only local professional team in my area, Carlisle United FC, I was in their youth system until I was 16 years old and then I moved to Morecambe FC.
Q: Where did you play soccer at College, and what was the highlight of your College career?
A: At 18 I years old I was released by Morecambe and decided to accept a scholarship at The University of Rio Grande, Ohio. The level of soccer played their was fantastic considering the size and location of the school. We made it to the national tournament all four years I played, the highlight of my college career was definitely my senior year when we were able to make it all the way to the National Championship game.
Q: How was your time at Portland Phoenix?
A: My time playing for Portland was brilliant. We had a very talented squad that year and Paul Baber and Ally Bain taught me a lot about the game. We made it to the playoffs but were unfortunate to lose in the first round to Reading United who made it all the way to the final four that year. If it wasn’t for my summer in Portland I seriously doubt I would be playing professional soccer today.
Q: What was the highlight of your time here?
A: I don’t think there was one particular highlight of that season, obviously making it to the playoffs was nice but the whole summer was amazing, Portland is a great city with lots a very nice people, I made a lot of friends that summer and really improved as a soccer player.
Q: Explain your soccer career after playing for the Phoenix?
A: The following summer after playing for Portland I was asked to play for the Wilmington Hammerheads in USL PRO. It was all down to Paul Baber that I even signed for the club, he mentioned my name to the Coach [David] Irving here and even went as far as to negotiate my contract for me because I didn’t have an agent. I have just started my fourth season with the Wilmington Hammerheads and Paul and Ally have helped me every step of the way, it just goes to show the type of people they are to continue to do that for me.
Q: How does it feel to be a pro soccer player?
A: Like most lads growing up my dream was always to became a professional soccer player, there were plenty of times I was positive it wasn’t going to happen for me but with a bit of luck and a lot of people’s help I finally realized my dream. It really is the best job in the world.
Q: How has your time been at Wilmington Hammerheads?
A: Its been a lot of fun, Wilmington is an amazing city and the people here love their soccer and really rally around the team. So far in my career with the Hammerheads the team has made it to one championship game in 2012 and we finished runners-up in the league back in 2011. I hope to keep playing for the club as long as I can and really make Wilmington my home.