Whiz Kid: Matt Kehm

Local teen Matt Kehm will be packing his book bag and entering his sophomore year at this September, but he’s already on the radar of Top Drawer Soccer as one of the Top 20 Soccer Players to Watch in Pennsylvania.

Matt plays for the PV Vikings as well as FC Delco Pre Academy U-14 96 team and the Philadelphia Union Juniors 96 team.

How long have you been playing soccer?

Since I was 6 years old, nine years total and six years travel

• Three years at West-Mont United on the Shockers team (B team)

• Methacton United for two years on the Strikers (A team)

• This past year for FC Delco Pre Academy 96 team.

Regular games are from Virginia to New Hampshire, and we played in a tournament in Portland, OR, at the Nike headquarters in May.

What position do you play?

Forward and sometimes midfield

Which pro soccer teams and players are your favorites?

Philadelphia Union and Arsenal (teams)

Lionel Messi and Cristiono Rolnoldo (players)

Do you think the sport's popularity will eventually be on par with that of Philadelphia football or baseball?

Eventually, because soccer has been gaining a lot of popularity.

What other sports do you play (or enjoy watching)?

I like to watch football and basketball, but only play soccer.

What do you like to do off the field? 

Hang out with my friends

Who are your role models? 

Messi is (the) best player in the world, (and he) works really hard.

What are your future aspirations? 

To go pro and play soccer in college

Describe your feelings when you learned you were named among the top 20 soccer players to watch.

I was shocked, surprised and speechless. I could not of done this without my teammates. I found out that the nomination did not come from my coaches. It makes it a greater honor to me that there are scouts watching me play soccer.