After talking to his recruiter in the lobby of a hotel, Beck Henderson was offered a spot at a prestigious soccer academy in England.
Henderson was visiting England for a month for a tryout with i2i Soccer Academy’s collegiate team in Leeds. Henderson and other players were staying at a hotel close to campus for the trip and met up with their recruiters on the final day to hear the coaches’ decision.
“They called us down from our rooms, one-by-one and talked to us. Hearing that I was accepted and they wanted me to come play was amazing,” Henderson said.
i2i International Soccer Academy, partnered with Leeds Beckett University, provides an opportunity for upcoming soccer talents to hone their skills while still getting an education in a college environment.
Senior goalkeeper, Beck Henderson, knew he wanted to be an elite soccer player from an early age. Being raised in a soccer family aided in this realization.
“Both of my parents love the sport, so when I was young they started having me play. I have loved it ever since,” Henderson said.
His older sister, Cali Henderson, played collegiate soccer. Her experiences during the college recruitment process introduced i2i Academy to Beck as she was also scouted by them.
When Beck started the college decision process, i2i reached out and offered up a month-long summer camp in England to gauge his skill and level of play. He was trained by coaches with Premier League experience and as he describes “legends” of the game.
“The goalkeeper coach that I trained with most of the time, he taught me so much. He helped me with my communication, reading of the game, and ability during crosses. He improved my game so much in just a month,” Beck said.
Compared to the United States, the soccer culture in England is much more intense. Therefore, more pressure is put onto the players to win, specifically goalkeepers.
“There is a lot more pressure on us [goalkeepers] because one mistake for a goalkeeper means there is a goal conceded. And you’re very lonely a lot of times,” Beck said. “But I love it, I love being able to lead and help my team.”
But, being away from home is never easy.
The Henderson family has played an integral role in Beck’s decision to travel across the pond and take the next step in his soccer career. At first, he was hesitant to leave, but the opportunity was too good to pass up.
“It will be difficult being away from my family,” Beck said. “My parents have been amazing. They’ve raised me to be independent and strong. It will be fine, I can do it.”
Not only is he supported by his family, but also his Lafayette coaches. Boys soccer coach Ryan Butchart, speaks highly of the new i2i recruit.
“He’s a great leader in the back, he’s constantly telling his teammates where to move,” Butchart said. “He’s an excellent communicator and a really good role model.”
Beck stepped up for Lafayette in his senior season with 98 saves and 8 shutouts. He ended the season with a total of 1,455 minutes and an 11-7 record when in goal.
One of his greatest moments from this season was a double save against Rockwood Summit where the Lancers defeated the Falcons 1-0 in overtime.
“If he didn’t make that double save we would have lost that game. It was such an incredible save, I think the whole bench jumped up,” Butchart said.
A major influence in Beck’s success on the field has been the new Lafayette goalkeeping assistant coach, Nate Griffin.
“He’s been a huge addition to our staff,” Butchart said. “He’s the best of the best at training goalies.”
Beck will leave for the academy in early September and major in cybersecurity.
“I [am] really excited for him. It’s a really big deal, he’s the first player we have had in probably a long time that’s [headed to England]. It’s gonna be a real big challenge that I think he’s ready for,” Butchart said.
