In terms of soccer, there are come-up stories, and then there are stories that go beyond the game. One of those stories is the story of Shanyder Borgelin.
The young man, now playing at his hometown club Inter Miami, was raised only minutes from the stadium he now plays in. Reminiscing on his youth, he recalled his father would lay blocks and toys as obstacles on the floor so he could dribble around the house. This resonated with me because it was something I did for my own children.
However, this story of a local player turned homegrown hero almost never happened. The parents of the Haitian National team forward were given heartbreaking news that their son would most likely be born with serious complications, and they should contemplate terminating the pregnancy.
This was a difficult decision, as they already had two boys to take care of. However, his parents were devout Christians, and his father, being an orphan from Haiti, believed there was no other option but to put their faith in God. They believed their son would be born healthy, just like anyone else, even if it took a miracle.
Playing with a sense of purpose and a love for the game, Shanyder began to develop locally before his dad decided to bring him to one of Florida’s biggest clubs, Weston FC.
However, he would only spend one year there. As many find out, soccer in the United States is extremely expensive, with parents often spending between $5,000 and $10,000 just on base expenses for a season.
His father left it to God and his son's ability, telling him that if he was good enough, he would find a team to pay for him. That statement would come to fruition when he played in a Virginia-based tournament at 13 years old. After scoring two goals and delivering a great performance at that tournament, he attracted the attention of a Philadelphia Union scout.
At only 14-years-old he would move across the country to the prestigious Philadelphia Union Academy, after a little persuasion of his mother, he explained jokingly.
His time in Philadelphia was well spent. Not only did he grow as a player but the 6 foot 4 center forward was able to sign a homegrown contract and only in his second year with the Academy. However, that time away from his family took a toll on him. They are a crucial part of his life and his support system. So, it is no wonder when he got the opportunity to come to Inter Miami he took it.
Back in his hometown, before all the hype of Messi and what Inter Miami has now become, he began working on his goal of reaching the first team. Ironically, his breakthrough game would come against his former team, the Philadelphia Union. After scoring a brace, he then went on to score a hat-trick, letting everyone know he came to Miami to make a name for himself.
With players like Messi, Suarez, and Busquets, he understands it's time to learn and grow as a player. While hungry for his chance, the young forward is uniquely patient and humble to be in the position he's in. Now a regular on the first team, he's taking steps to improve his game and take the next step in his career.
This couldn’t be better news for the Haitian and Afro Caribbean fan base in South Florida. A community that was one of the first to play soccer in South Florida has been patiently waiting for representation on their beloved team.
It is almost if Shanyder Borgelin was meant to play for this club. He recalled his first memory of live soccer being watching his national team, Haiti play against A now famous Spanish side, fielded players he now calls teammates in the stadium he now plays at.
You'd be hard-pressed to find a player more deserving of their current position in life. In a world full of negativity and arrogance I found him to be humble, appreciative of life, and radiating positivity. If there's anyone to root for, it's Shanyder Borgelin.
FBD | Tony Thomas DesRois