Nicholas Burns '26 Recruiting Profile

My story is one of unlikely success.  I was born to an unmarried 17-year-old girl who had been in the foster system since she was four years old.  She and my biological father were young, caught up in things they shouldn't be, and didn't know the first thing about being good parents.  I was living with my bio mom in an apartment that was in the most dangerous part of Chicago.  I slept in a closet.  The apartment was heated by the oven and infested with rats and roaches.  It was bad!  

When I was 14 months old, my bio mom was arrested, and I was placed with a Safe Family (my second placement).  That family adopted me when I was three years old, and my life was changed forever.  

When I was five years old, I saw a sign advertising soccer tryouts for my local club.  Although I had never played soccer, I knew that it had two things I loved - a ball and running.  I begged my parents to take me to the tryouts.  After tryouts, the director sought out my parents to say that he saw something special in me.  I've been playing ever since!

I feel grateful to have parents and coaches along the way that have believed in me and given me tremendous opportunities to grow in both my understanding of the game and my ability to play it well.  

A year and a half ago, I was asked to trial with a number of MLS academies.  I chose to be a player in residence at FC Cincinnati because I knew I could make a difference on the team.  Since joining FCC in the Spring of 2022, I have had the honor of being the captain of my team, chosen to play with older age groups, and selected for IDP.  I have also trialed with the National Team.

I'm often asked if I miss being at home in Illinois with my family and friends.  I miss them like crazy, but I have a goal, and I'm determined to reach it.  I know that I am supposed to be a professional soccer player with a platform to talk about my story, encourage parents to foster and adopt children, and have the means to help disadvantaged kids.  I also know that I am supposed to be a coach one day so that I can pour into young athletes the way I've been poured into.  I'm looking for the best path to get me there.

I am a strong athlete who plays smart and is calm on the ball.  I'm a versatile player who loves being on the field wherever and whenever, but attacking-mid highlights my skillset best.  I'm right-foot dominant but very strong with my left.  I'm a good listener and take direction and instruction from my coaches well while also being a smart player who sees the field well.  I possess strong technical skills and tactical awareness.  I pride myself on being a vocal and encouraging leader and a great teammate on and off the field.    

I am looking for a collegiate team with an exceptional coach who can not only teach me how to be a better player but how to be a tremendous coach one day.  I'm looking to be part of a team that needs me to make a difference.  I want to be part of building something great...an unlikely success story!