Participant Highlight
Planes and the Pitch: Kevin Durr’s Path to the Execs
Suppose your job is hard? Strive being knowledgeable soccer participant whereas additionally serving on lively obligation in the US Air Pressure. That is the life Kevin Durr selected for himself.
BY
Brooke Tunstall
Posted
February 12, 2015
10:43 AM
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HE WILL BE ONE OF THE OLDEST ROOKIES in professional soccer this yr however all Kevin Durr care’s about is that he’s getting a shot to pursue his dream.
A 2nd lieutenant in the US Air Pressure stationed at Peterson Air Pressure Base in Colorado Springs, Durr, who turns 24 subsequent month, signed a contract with USL growth aspect Colorado Springs Switchbacks as we speak. He’ll now stability enjoying third-division soccer whereas persevering with to serve within the army full-time.
“I am very thankful for the Air Force to give me an opportunity to continue pursuing my dream while still being able to serve my country at the same time,” Durr informed American Soccer Now. “So far I’ve been very impressed with everyone affiliated with the Switchbacks and the organization as a whole. Their staff is extremely flexible and willing to work with me, given the unique situation I’m in.”
Durr, who ASN profiled final month, was born and raised in Germany, the place his father served as U.S. Military officer. He grew up enjoying within the youth methods of each Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Munich however handed on a professional profession there to attend school on the Air Pressure Academy.
He was an all-region midfielder and led the Falcons to their first NCAA Match look in 15 years. He confirmed properly sufficient to be drafted by the Seattle Sounders 54th general in 2013 however was unable to signal due to his 5-year army dedication.
“You couldn’t ask for a better kid. Just a tremendous young man we have a lot of respect for,” Sounders affiliate head coach Brian Schmetzer mentioned final month. “We will monitor his progress and see where he is after this layoff.”
Durr could ultimately swap to serving part-time within the Air Pressure Reserve or Air Nationwide Guard, which might enable him to coach extra persistently with the Switchbacks. Nonetheless, he received’t be eligible to take action till June and even then would wish such a request to be authorized by Air Pressure brass, which isn’t assured. “As time progresses my hope is, of course, to find a more permanent solution for all sides,” Durr mentioned.
Until them he’ll juggle two careers. The Switchbacks inaugural recreation is March 28 street recreation versus fellow USL newcomer Austin Aztex.
Brooke Tunstall is a veteran journalist who has coated Main League Soccer since its first participant dispersal draft. Observe him on Twitter.
