Player Spotlight: Salva’s Journey with Eastshore Alliance FC
At Eastshore Alliance FC, we take pride in the dedication, talent, and character of our players. This month, we’re thrilled to feature Salva, a key member of our 2010B APX team. Known for his leadership and passion, Salva embodies everything we strive to develop in our athletes.
Salva’s love for soccer started at a young age, inspired by his family. “I’ve been playing for about 9 years,” Salva shares. “My whole family played, and how could I not join in?” Since then, his skills and passion for the game have only grown, and he's become a driving force for his team.
A Natural Leader on the Field
Salva plays both as a center midfielder and winger, two positions he loves for their versatility. “I get to be in different spaces on the field and have a lot of chances to score and get on the ball,” he explains. His memorable moments on the pitch include winning a final and the incredible achievement of scoring five goals in a single game.
When asked about his goals, Salva’s answer reflects his ambition: “I want to play professional soccer and be able to help the younger generation with what I’ve learned from the game.” He’s also grateful for the lessons he’s learned from his coaches and teammates, especially on being a leader and improving his awareness on the field.
Preparing for Success
Like many top athletes, Salva prepares for games both mentally and physically. “I like to listen to music and talk with my friends about what we’re going to do in training,” he says. His dedication and ability to handle challenges show his maturity: “I think about who I’m playing for. If I go out, I might hurt my team’s chances to win, so I push through.”
The Support System Behind the Player
Salva credits his family as his biggest supporters. “They always remind me that I can reach any goal with hard work and positivity,” he shares. Outside of soccer, Salva enjoys hanging out with friends and playing video games, finding a balance between the intensity of the sport and relaxation.
His role models are soccer players from his favorite team, who inspire him to aim higher and build confidence. When asked who he’d love to play with, his answer is clear: “Antony—he’s the best player of all time.”
Coach Niall’s Thoughts
Coach Niall Irwin, Director of Coaching at Eastshore Alliance FC, nominated Salva for this spotlight, praising both his talent and character. “Salva’s personality makes him a special player. He’s a big personality—everyone loves him. He became a leader, and all the kids respect him. He’s quite mature for his age, almost like a little adult. Parents and coaches love him because he’s social, respectful, and positive.”
Niall also highlighted Salva’s creativity and passion on the field. “When he plays, he shows a lot of character. Even when he started with us at age 10, he was making incredible decisions because he has a very high soccer IQ. He’s encouraging but also demanding of his teammates, always pushing them to do their best. He embodies the values of the team: leadership, family, passion, focus, and respect.”
Looking ahead, Coach Niall is confident in Salva’s potential: “Whatever Salva chooses to do in life, he’ll be successful. He’s got the drive to achieve great things.”
As Salva continues to grow as a player and a leader, his journey with Eastshore Alliance FC is one to watch. His passion, work ethic, and leadership serve as an inspiration to his teammates and the younger players who look up to him.