Nick Perera of the Syracuse Silver Knights
SoccerToday SOCCER NEWS INTERVIEW EXCLUSIVE
Nick Perera of the Syracuse Silver Knights has had a long soccer career — winning a national championship at UC Santa Barbara, playing for the San Diego Sockers and Milwaukee Wave in the MASL.
Nick Perera is also a star on the beach soccer scene — as Captain of the U.S. Soccer Men’s Beach National team, Perera has scored some of the most spectacular goals of the season.
Men’s Soccer News: SoccerToday’s Diane Scavuzzo caught up with Nick Perera to see how his current season with MASL’s Syracuse Silver Knights was going.
Diane Scavuzzo: Why did you decide to join the Syracuse Silver Knights?
Nick Perera: I was looking for something different – asked if I could join the team, and it has been great — they have been very understanding of my schedule so far. I am a youth soccer coach in San Diego at the Cardiff Mustangs and work on balancing all of my commitments.
Diane Scavuzzo: What do you think of the MASL season so far?
Nick Perera: Our first game of the season against the Turlock Express was a fun game with a lot of action. The game went into overtime, which was a tough task but we put ourselves in a good position to win and it was entertaining.
Playing the San Diego Sockers was also a great experience.
Diane Scavuzzo: What was it like playing against the San Diego Sockers — your former team?
Nick Perera: There is always extra motivation when playing the SD Sockers. And, it is great to see my former teammates.
Diane Scavuzzo: Your career is going very well — I am always told great professionals always have to keep improving. How have you improved as a player?
Nick Perera: I believe in hard work. And, always trying to do your best — on and off the field or arena.
As an individual, I am outspoken when I see something I do not agree with.
I am not always the easiest person, and I have tried to become calmer. I now try to work through situations — and give more chances.
Today I am a better teammate than ever before.
I am no longer wasting energy on things I can’t control — getting better at this has been the biggest challenge in life. Now, I focus on using my energies in ways that can help the team.
Diane Scavuzzo: What does it really take to succeed as a professional player?
Nick Perera: One of the biggest things is tolerance and understanding, regardless of your stance. Communication is very important — can you understand how to talk to someone? The smartest people can always find ways to motivate others and help them succeed.
Diane Scavuzzo: You are a U.S. Soccer Representative on the Athletes Council, can you tell us about that? Carlos Bocanegra and Angela Hucles are the Athlete Council’s co-chairs.
Nick Perera: Yes, it is a great honor.
Basically—the Athletes Council is a one of the U.S. Soccer committees. The Athletes Council has 20% of the votes in U.S. Soccer elections — and being on the council is a great opportunity to learn a bit more of the inside workings of the USSF.
Being on the Athletes Council, one can start to learn a bit of the difficulties of the board room procedures. This is an awesome lesson, and it is really important that athletes have this voice. I can empower people by being a rep for the Athletes Council.
The Athletes Council is about what is best for the athletes, which is important for the growth and success of the game of soccer in the USA.
Diane Scavuzzo: What do you believe needs to change in American soccer?
Nick Perera: We need to take a stance with how US Soccer should behave.
The sport of soccer needs to be centered on the players and not the business.
Diane Scavuzzo: Is it good for youth soccer players to watch professional teams, like the San Diego Sockers or the Syracuse Silver Knights play?
Nick Perera: The learning tool of development is watching and learning, but youth soccer players need to watch more than the highlights.
The game highlights are just the results of the hard work that led up the those key moments.
You should watch the entire game to fully understand the technique and skill that goes into achieving the results of the final score.
Because indoor soccer is fast paced, it is really good to watch the players’ quick decisions and small sided defending.
And, of course, if you want to improve as a player, it is really important to watch professionals play.
Diane Scavuzzo: You’re the captain of the U.S. Beach Soccer National Team, tell us about it.
Nick Perera: Thank you — Beach soccer is the most fun I’ve ever had and the most challenging soccer I have ever played.
Diane Scavuzzo: What do you like best about the game and about being a pro?
Nick Perera: The more challenging it is, the more I get into it. 2018 will hopefully be a fantastic year for us. It is an honor to play for this team and a privilege to wear the logo for the Syracuse Silver Knights.
