ISN is excited to have former Lansing United and New York Cosmos B standout Brian Cunningham as a guest columnist. Each of his blog entries will share part of his journey as he lives out his dream of becoming a professional footballer across the globe in New Zealand.
First week in the books! To be honest, it went by the way I thought it would. Feelings of loneliness at times, missing home, especially when my friends and family would have to go bed. But I calculated prior to coming what times I would be able to chat with my girlfriend, family, and friends. Social media definitely has way more importance than I thought. I’m grateful.
Coach picked me up from the airport, and brought me to my temporary accommodation at the Oceania Football Confederation Academy Headquarters, just until my house was ready. Not a bad place, but thank God there was a national developmental team from the island of Tonga here though, it helped me make friends right from the start. They’ve been so good to me, feeding me when they prepare meals, inviting me to meetings, prayers, and games. They speak Tongan, which I haven’t a clue to speak, but their sincerity and care transcends our language barrier.
After a few days of sleeping off the jet lag, I met with Coach again and the club’s technical director. We sorted out a few things, and then we GOT MY CAR! Sweet ride to go see New Zealand with, again I’m so grateful and humbled. As the other international guys come in and the team gets ready for preseason, they gave me a week to get myself adjusted. I got my medical screening done and had my first training session. It felt really good to get my feet going in the small games.
Now, the real work begins! I’m moving into my house, paying my first phone bill here, fitting my kit and gear for the season and best of all, PLAYING FULL-TIME. Best wishes to you, thank you for reading.
Please follow me on Instagram @Brian_OC or Twitter @BOCunningham. Until next time!
