Kitsap Pumas' Tony Kerr an Englishman who loves America, too

The Kitsap Pumas are a United Soccer Leagues Premier Development League club with ambitions to climb the ladder up to the second division of US soccer. They call Bremerton Washinton home. The club debuted last season with a beach soccer loving Brit at the center of their attack.

Tony Kerr is the heart of the midfield attack for the Kitsap Pumas. No wonder then that the club re-signed him for 2010 back in September. Kerr also coaches West Sound kids when he's not busy going back and forth between the States and home (Sandown, Isle of Wight, England).

So what happens when you are a 21 year old footballer suddenly transplanted from the beaches of southern England to the shadows of the Olympic rainforest and mountains of Kitsap, Washington, USA? What adjustments do you make? Can your beach soccer prowess translate into Yankee Doodle Soccer? I asked a few questions of the recently-turned 22-year old Englishman as we look ahead to 2010.

Jenni Conner photos.

What are your impressions of America, and specifically the Puget Sound area? (Seattle / Bremerton)

"I love America. I spent 18 months in and around the Boston area so before I signed a contract with the Pumas I had a fair idea what to expect of the people and culture. Nothing, however, prepared me for Washington State. It’s one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen. Bremerton in itself is a really cool little town and I can’t understand its reputation. I’ve seen a lot worse in England, in particular London, which is where my family originate from. But what I love most about America is the generosity of the people and the positive attitude everybody has."

How about the soccer? What have you noticed about America in terms of the sport? PDL? MLS? Youth?

"It’s definitely getting bigger as both a playing and spectator sport. Youth soccer is certainly doing things the right way; lots of funding, professional coaches and incredible camp programs being offered by organizations like the Pumas. With that comes some very talented players playing in the PDL and in a few years I have no doubt some of my teammates/opposing players will graduate onto the MLS. It’s also nice to be right in the middle of a soccer hotbed like the Northwest."

Kerr (right) and Pumas mate Will Sturgess take in a Seattle Mariners baseball game.

What are a few of your favorite memories from the 2009 Pumas season?

"The Open Cup game was a real highlight. We were outstanding as a team on the night and the score against the USL Timbers was never a fair reflection on the game. To see so many fans cheering us on was brilliant. My personal favorite was the 5-0 win away against the Spokane Spiders, though. To score the club's first ever goal was an added bonus too. What was a great team performance. I just wish the game could have been at home!"

Kerr fan Kate drew this picture of Tony in action for the Pumas.

I heard you've been to at least one higher-level club tryout in the states. How did that go?

"Most of our players have mixed it with teams and players who are ‘higher’ in the ‘Soccer Pyramid’ than the Pumas and, in my opinion, it’s not much more different than training with our guys. I think I made a decent account of myself in games with the Timbers and Sounders but there’s certainly room for improvement. When playing on the same pitch as those guys though, it certainly reminds me a lot more of England. The players are more physical on and off the ball and they roar instructions to each other, something I feel we need to do more of. Apart from that, I think the bulk of our players are on par with them technically."

What are some of the hardest adjustments to make as you go back and forth from England to Kitsap County?

"The hardest part for me is not being able to make any definite plans. Nothing is certain with the visa process and in Soccer as a whole so I just live my life one day at a time. I don’t complain though, because I’m very lucky to be able to live in between two countries like the US and England."

Did you watch the Beach Soccer FIFA World Cup from Dubai? What did you think?

"I watched some of it and on the whole was impressed with the direction the sport is heading. European nations such as Russia and Switzerland are benefiting from big funding and are certainly closing the gap on World Champions Brazil. I get itchy feet watching though because I love playing it and it’s a great feeling to play for your country in front of big crowds. My brother (Luke) was actually there as an employee for FIFA and he seems to be excited with the set-up and interest the sport is gaining worldwide. It’s a great game."

Kerr with the English National Beach Team.

Is your beach soccer career still ongoing?

"Yes, but for now I’d say it’s on hold. The team tours throughout the calendar year so it’s hard for me to commit what with the grass-season. I certainly have the desire to play for England again one day and have enough faith in my ability to step-in whenever that may be. I think they’re training again in January so I hope to be able to get back on the sand and score some goals, if not for my fitness more than anything. I couldn’t think of any better preparation for the 2010 season."

What are your personal and team goals for 2010?

"Personally, I have three aims; to get fitter and stronger than last year, to solidify my spot in the squad and solidify a spot in the starting XI. As for the team, I’m sure the front office is expecting an improvement on last year, so no less than NW Division Champs and finalists in the Play-offs. Easier said than done because there are some great teams out there, but with the right attitude and good support from our fans, on top of the skills our team possess, anything is possible."

More: Check out this summer 2009 Kitsap Sun story on the Pumas players who shared a house in Bremerton.

www.GOALKItsap.com

www.KitsapSoccerClub.com

All of our Pumas stories on Examiner.com