#30 - Chris Forbes

It all began when I was 7 years old in San Antonio, Texas. I still remember my mom grabbing me by the ear and dragging me to my first soccer practice. I was scared and had no idea what I was walking into, but that moment sparked a lifelong love for the game. I grew up playing center midfield, running nonstop, and doing the dirty work. These days, I've moved up to forward - partly because experience helps, and partly because I'm old and tired and don't need to cover the whole field anymore. The shift has made me a smarter, more efficient player. My biggest influences were the people who shaped me on and off the field - Thomas Woolley, my mother, and my father. They pushed me, supported me, and believed in me from the very beginning. As a young player, I also looked up to legends like Gary Lineker, Kevin Keegan, and
Lothar Matthäus. Their style, leadership, and passion for the game helped inspire the way I play and
the standards I hold myself to. Futbol has taught me resilience, patience, and the importance of consistency. It showed me that progress comes from showing up every day, working with others, and learning from every challenge. The lessons I've taken from the field have shaped the way I approach life as a whole. What keeps me motivated is the simple fact that I still love the game. Competing, staying sharp, and stepping onto the field with purpose still drives me. Playing at a high level over 40 is a reminder that
discipline, passion, and experience can carry you farther than people expect.