The first time Ayun touched a soccer ball, he was 4. Today, he is twice as old, but his love for the sport has remained unchanged. 

Ayun’s journey began with the Dublin Soccer League. It was there that he met his first soccer coach, Pradeep Baptist, who taught him valuable skills and ultimately sparked Ayun’s interest and passion. The 8-year-old soccer star now plays as a defender and a right wing with Ohio Premier Soccer Club.

In just four years, Ayun has already gained valuable experience on the field and achieved accomplishments well beyond his years. He’s traveled to Cincinnati and Dayton to attend matches and has played in many tournaments. Ayun’s teams have won first place in the Grove City Tournament and Spring Blast Tournament, and were finalists in the Nike Challenge Tournament and Copa del Sala Tournament.

Ayun credits his Ohio Premier team coaches, Jason Griffith and Eric Stucky, for playing a key role in his development this year. They taught him how to make quick decisions on the field and constantly challenge himself without fear of failure. Under their guidance, Ayun has learned to take risks, trust his instincts, and find his voice as a player.  Ayun also looks up to some of the best players out there, like Ronaldinho Gaúcho, Lionel Messi, Lamine Yamal, and Darlington Nagbe, hoping to develop his own game with the same creativity and dedication. Above all, he’s grateful to his parents for their unwavering encouragement and support, which continue to inspire him to give his very best.

What Ayun has come to love the most about the sport is the feeling of being a part of a team, as well as learning ways to continuously challenge himself and improve while developing his confidence. He considers winning the Spring Blast Tournament one of his career’s most significant highlights to date, as it was a competitive match that resulted in a very close final. It’s competitive environments like these that allow Ayun opportunities to practice and build his endurance and determination. Passing along everything he has learned, Ayun advises any aspiring players to work hard and never give up. You can achieve whatever you put your mind to.

With his whole future ahead of him, one thing is for sure: soccer will always be a part of Ayun’s life, and he’s already making his own mark on the game.