The Slanch Report

A youth soccer tea in Mooresville, NC is on the verge of getting to the Junior World Cup Tournament in South Africa, a pretty awesomely huge deal for a bunch of 11-year-olds. Part of the team’s success comes from the versatility of their players, most of whom play multiple positions.

For instance, there is Elijah Clark, age 11, who alternates between forward, midfield defense and goalie, all this despite the fact that he was born without hands.

In fact, Clark was born with only one forearm bone and 2 fingers. “I used to hide behind my mom because I didn’t want people to look at me. But, I had to overcome that. I don’t care what people say about me now,” says Elijah.

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When he’s not on the field, Elijah is equally dominating in the classroom scoring a perfect 100% grade average. Several of his teammates’ parents say that Elijah can write and type better then their sons using just his elbows! Elijah’s mom, Alisha Clark said that “he’s pretty much figured everything out on his own. He’s shown US how it’s going to be…the best way for him to be independent was for him to do things. (To) do everything else that a regular person can do.”

Next weekend’s match in Washington DC will determine the Lake Norman soccer club’s fate; win and they’re headed to South Africa for the World Championships.

Count me in as a Lake Norman booster.

[Fox Charlotte]