Mike Connell (soccer) - Youth

Youth

Connell grew up playing street soccer in Mayfair and attending Rangers F.C. games at Bloch Park. Playing in black and white striped shirts of the Rangers Club was a must for any kid from the neighborhood and Connell was no different. Connell spent most Sundays from 9am to 5pm watching and playing pick soccer at Bloch Park. When he was nine, he was recruited into a U-11 team which practiced in the park. As luck had it his first game would be against the rivals of Rangers. Highlands Park was a team from the northern suburbs. The game would be played as a first curtain raiser before a Rangers professional game and it would be played on the Rand Stadium. Although they were beat 9-2 that days Mike scored both goals and so began his journey to becoming a professional soccer player.