Through the first four games of their inaugural season, he’s the player Coach Kenny Farrell called the New Orleans Jesters’ unsung hero.
“People that come to watch the game know how good he is,” Farrell told FOX 8 Sports. “But they probably don’t know his background; Gary Stopforth center midfielder made him captain of the team, great choice.”
“It’s a big boost for me, I’ve always tried my hardest in games,” Stopforth said. “Center midfield is a key position to play; you’ve got to give your best.”
Just over a year ago, playing soccer here in New Orleans was the furthest thing on Stopforth’s mind.
The England native had his sights set on the English Premier League, where he was one step away from signing professionally but was never offered a professional contract.
“In the other parts of the world,” Farrell said. “When you’ve hit 20-21 and you haven’t got it, you’re not going to get it.”
“After I got let go from the Premier League club, it was obviously a big letdown in my life, as well as football” Stopforth said. “So when I got the chance to come out here, it was like a new start, training everyday.”
Farrell knows to land a player of Stopforth’s experience will only help his club. He also knows he has to enjoy him while he’s got him. Stopforth likely will not be a Jester past this season.
“If he keeps up the level he’s been playing,” Farrell said. “I won’t be shy to picking up the phone to the bigger leagues, including the Major League Soccer league.”
“It’s everyone’s goal, really, to play and to progress, to get to a higher club” Stopforth said. “I enjoy playing with the Jesters; I want to be the best I can be, if that’s the Jesters or a higher club.”
But for now he’s focus on helping his current team remain undefeated.
