Josh Baker of Lionsbridge FC visits students at Jones Magnet Middle School

Josh Baker, a player with Lionsbridge FC, a local USL League 2 soccer team, visited sixth and seventh grade students at Jones Magnet Middle School on Thursday, February 22, 2024. He is originally from Winterton, England and now lives on the Peninsula during the off season when he is not fulfilling his role as assistant soccer coach for Chowan University. 

Baker shared his background growing up in a small town in England where his life basically revolved around playing soccer. He stressed to the students that they must work hard and get good grades to be able to fulfill their dreams, whatever they are.

Baker left home at 15 to play on a soccer team and moved to the United States to attend college on a scholarship at 18. He said his parents were very supportive and encouraged him to come to the states where he earned a degree in sports management. He has played soccer all over the world including Iceland and enjoys experiencing new cultures and seeing how soccer helps to connect the world.

Baker shared, “I like working with young people. I do a lot of coaching with kids in the area and I think it is great how they look up to something like Lionsbridge. It reminds me of when I was younger and I would go and watch the older teams play. I knew I wanted to be a part of that too when I grew up. It gives the kids something to look forward to.”