by Dick MacEven if you are not a soccer fan, the story of Jay DeMerit is amazing. It is an American success story about a young man's hard work, ingenuity and perseverance.
After graduating, it was assumed by everyone that DeMerit would sign-on with an MLS team, likely the Chicago Fire with whom he had a minor league tryout.
Oddly, it never happened, and this very talented athlete was without a job. He decided to take matters, and his future, into his own hands.
This movie discusses DeMerit's travels around Europe, living hand to mouth, and off the kindness of strangers, trying to get a tryout with a professional soccer team.
European teams did not (and some still do not) consider American players worthy of a look. He never lost hope and eventually landed in the English Premier League (the best soccer league in the world).
A remarkable success story.
After ten years in England, DeMerit returned to America and the MLS. He is currently playing for the Vancouver Whitecaps.
The documentary was made on a shoestring budget and is worth every minute.
It has had a number of showings throughout the country and at festivals, but has not been the easiest ticket to buy.
It is now available for download at iTunes, and as of this writing is the #2 sports movie on their list.
You don't even have to leave the privacy of your home. Just open your iTunes account, buy the movie, pop some corn, sit in front of your television, and enjoy!
Rise & Shine: The Jay DeMerit Story, at iTunes
Get it at Amazon
Get it at eBay
Jay DeMerit, at wikipedia
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