When you hear the story behind Wisconsin-native Jay DeMerit’s career history as a professional soccer player, it almost seems too improbable and at best unbelievable. I hasten not to use the “rags to riches” cliché as it was never so dramatic, rather more of an understated and thorough belief by the athlete in himself and his capability. A script worthy of a movie I hear you say…yes, and now, hopefully we will all be able to see this remarkable tale on the big screen as his tale has been made into a documentary named, Rise and Shine: The Jay DeMerit Story.
Who is Jay DeMerit?
Hailing from Wisconsin, DeMerit was unsuccessful in his attempts to make the MLS draft in his home country despite having played in the NCAA championships for the University of Illinois at Chicago and in the Chicago Fire development team. With some cash in his pocket he upped sticks to try his luck in the United Kingdom aged 21. This last point goes some way to indicating the sort of strength of character that DeMerit possesses as soccer players this age are expected to already be established in a club and making regular outings for the first team. DeMerit could have easily hung up his boots there and then.
Where Did Jay DeMerit Play in England?
Plying his trade as a defender first with non-league Southall and then with Northwood, DeMerit’s big break came in a preseason friendly versus Championship opposition Watford. Then Watford coach Ray Lewington must have seen something in American and took him on trial in 2004 which resulted in a one year contract with the Hornets. During his career with Watford Football Club that spanned several seasons from 2004 to 2010, a highlight has to be the headed goal in the 3-0 Championship playoff final win versus Leeds at Wembley that took his team into the Premiership. In total he played 188 times for the north London outfit.
DeMerit Plays for the USMNT
It was only ever going to be a question of time before DeMerit received his first call up for the US national side. Yet to score for Team USA, Demerit has now a very respectable tally of 25 caps for the team. He was a mainstay in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and for the team that lost in the final of the Confederations Cup in 2009 to Brazil 3-2. Not too shabby you’ll admit for a player that slipped through the cracks after the US collegiate system.
“Rise and Shine” and the Vancouver Whitecaps
Released by Watford in July 2010, DeMerit was the first player contracted to the expansion team of the Vancouver Whitecaps in the MLS. He is currently playing here and taking time out to promote the documentary made about his amazing progress in world soccer.
The documentary made, by a couple of his friends, is packed with information about DeMerit’s life and his playing career and includes interviews with US team coach Bob Bradley, teammates Carlos Bocanegra and Tim Howard. Herein lays the catch, in order to be able to release the film a minimum amount of cash needs to be raised to pay off the licensing rights to be able to broadcast Premier League footage, World Cup footage and so on.
The filmmakers, Nick and Ranko, have put the film onto Kickstarter, a website aimed at raising the money. Here you can pledge as little as $1 or as much as you like. The total of $215,000 needs to be raised by July 18 and at present with over 600 pledgers the funds accumulated sit pretty at $77,500. Help is needed.
So, should you be inspired by this triumph of the human spirit and endurance that is Jay DeMerit’s story, then reach into that virtual bank account and pledge something. See it if you will as a soccer version of the Shawshank Redemption due to the reality that it is a triumph of the human spirit!
Richard McColl - I am a freelance writer from deepest darkest London but for the past 10 years or so I have been maintaining my extended "writing break" in ...
