“Playing with AFC Ann Arbor has become another avenue for me to reach more players and help where I can.”
Although the bulk of most NPSL rosters are made up of college soccer players and younger aspiring professionals, every club has a couple guys who are the exception.
For AFC Ann Arbor, Kevin Taylor, aka KT, is that exception. The 34-year-old former MLS midfielder returns for his third season; but Taylor is different from most of the other players over 30. Taylor, who plays in the middle and backline for The Mighty Oak, still makes a significant contribution to the team, not just through his off the pitch leadership and sharing his experiences, but from the direct impact he makes on the field.
“As an older local guy it's only right I do my part to make everyone's stay as easy as possible. The more comfortable the players are, the better they'll perform,” he added.
Taylor not only played a full 90 minutes in last year’s final regular season league match at Kalamazoo FC, but scored the game winner helping the club earn their first playoff berth in club history.
Taylor Celebrating Goal at Kalamazoo
After playing at the highest level in the US, Taylor switched his focus to coaching and working with the youth, his true passion.
“Coaching has a lot to do with the relationship between coach and player. The more willing the child is to receive the information the easier my job becomes. Playing with AFC Ann Arbor has become another avenue for me to reach more players and help where I can,” said Taylor.
Although he continues to play and compete at a high level because he loves it, so much of his motivation comes from the kids he coaches.
Taylor admits, his focus and how we approaches the game has also shifted, adding, “To be perfectly honest my goals as a soccer player have changed a lot over the years. Now my only goal is to help younger players figure out who they want to be within the game and how to enjoy the development process.”
About AFC Ann Arbor
AFC Ann Arbor completed a very successful inaugural campaign in the Midwest Region of the National Premier Soccer League finishing 2nd in the conference while earning the club’s first playoff berth. The club’s third season kicks off in May as The Mighty Oak look to continue their winning ways under Head Coach Eric Rudland. Youth, General and Premium Memberships for Season Tree can be purchased here.