Connecting the Dots to Success: Stewart Vigh’s “Foot In”

Soccer in many ways is about connections - and not just connecting passes.  In Stewart Vigh’s case, it has been a common thread throughout his life that has given him direction and a “foot in” to great opportunities.  

After trying out for Tampa FC last summer, he was invited to attend the Fan Soccer Tour to Munich this past Thanksgiving, where he trained, received a professional evaluation, and was scouted by a Bayernliga pro team with support from Coach Mario and Soccer Scouting Pros. In addition, has been selected to train with Metropolis, a USL2 team in Sarasota, FL after a recommendation from Coach Mario and an impressive performance during a friendly match between Tampa FC and Metropolis.

We recently spoke with Stewart about his recent experience and his goals for the future.

Stewart is currently a student at St. Petersburg College in Tarpon Springs, FL studying Early Childhood education in preparation to coach youth soccer.  Before transferring to SPC, he spent a year at Lander University in Georgia, playing Division 2 soccer. When he isn’t training with Tampa FC, he is playing indoor or training on his own.  

When asked to share his impressions of his trip to Munich, his first response was, “It was cold!” Having grown up in Georgia and Florida, November in Germany was a new experience for Vigh. The challenge of adapting to different weather, a new culture, and demanding training schedules was welcomed by Stewart. He spoke of the cultural immersion experience of the trip with equal enthusiasm as he did for the quality training and high-level games.

“I have always played with Brazilians and am pretty familiar with the Brazilian style of soccer,” says Vigh.”I really wanted to go to Munich to experience the German style of play, which is so different from what I am used to.”

According to Stewart, the greatest benefit of the trip was the opportunity to measure himself against a high level of play:  “I feel like I got a chance to see the level I can achieve and perhaps surpass.” 

The future is certainly looking promising for Vigh, as he begins his training with the USL2 team, and as Coach Mario continues to facilitate the connections in Munich with the Bayernliga team interested in Vigh.  “Coach Mario has helped me with connections, being able to know different people to get my foot in the door to make my dreams a possibility.”