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Behind the Stripes

Patrick Okonkwo

By Atlanta United FC

June 14^th, 2017

“This game gave me a life when I thought I never had one.”

Born in Lagos, Nigeria, losing his father as a child, moving to Jamaica and eventually arriving in the United States clenching nothing but his brother’s hand, Patrick Okonkwo has found his home in Atlanta and in the game of soccer.

After being sighted at a few trials, Patrick began his career in the Atlanta youth soccer system, through which he encountered the kindness of the Morton family that adopted Patrick and his brother. “I call them Mom and Dad,” says Patrick. “That’s how close we are. They’re perfect.”

Patrick also considers Atlanta United Academy Director Tony Annan to be one of the most special people in the world. Annan, who took him into Georgia United a few years ago, provided Patrick an opportunity, a guide to life, a guide to the game, and Patrick has soaked in every piece of counsel.

“Meeting Tony, who came from the same background, leaving his home country and coming to the United States, he made me understand what I can do to get to the highest level.”

It’s been nothing but focus for Patrick, focus on his future and focus on his dreams, and it’s paid off as he was invited to be part of the Atlanta United Academy in its first season last year. Ingraining himself in the club and with his teammates, he discovered a harmony in life he could have never imagined.

“After I lost my dad I thought that was it for me. But focusing on this game brought back life to me. It makes me happy. Whatever I do when I’m on the pitch I smile because I’m enjoying what I’m doing, because it means everything to me.”

“From going early to school, and getting home late from training, I live soccer. I love the sport so much, I just want to make sure I achieve my goals”

Challenging is an understatement to describe the path that Patrick has endured, but he relishes every chance he gets to play the sport of soccer because for him, it has always been the light in the dark.

“It’s a game that will ever cheat on me. No matter what. It’s a sport that everyone would want to play. If you really think you don’t like this sport, you might want to find a reason why you don’t because it just brings joy into your life.”

At the turn of the year, Patrick received a call from Tony Annan notifying him that the first team coaches had invited him to join their first-ever preseason down in Bradenton Florida.

“Inside I was shedding tears because I was never expecting that, I’ve come a long way, I never thought getting a call to train with the first team would bring so much happiness back into my life.”

From the moment he received the call, Patrick knew that this was his chance to learn, to grow, to truly develop himself into the player he wanted to become. Immediately, on day one, he approached veteran forward and Trinidadian captain Kenwyne Jones.

To him, Patrick said, “It’s an honor standing here with you and know that I’m going to be here all the time because I want to learn from you.”

Jones and the rest of the team took all the Academy players under their wings. They were not guests, they were not invitees, they were not children. In the players’ eyes, they were teammates, friends, and family.

“Everybody connected. Everybody treated everybody the same. No one carried themselves like they’re better than anyone else.”

It was the camaraderie, the work ethic, the determination of everyone on the trip that Patrick admired and immersed himself in. They’re values he will take with him for the rest of his life.

“It’s something I don’t want to just leave down there, I want to bring it up here, keep training and working hard just to get better.”

Vision and aspiration are what has driven Patrick to confront the challenging times, conquer adversity, and continue to take advantage of every opportunity because he knows his future lies in his hands, and what he hopes will be the five stripes.

“Wearing this kit is happiness. If I do play for Atlanta United one day, it will be a dream come true.”

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