For Sheffield, England native Josh Williams, moving away from home was a part of chasing his dream.

Williams, a Point Park Men’s Soccer central defenseman, began playing soccer in England at the age of four. Williams’ first ever soccer coach, Andy Loukes, is the reason why Williams knows about Point Park University. In fact, Loukes’ son, Jonty Loukes, was Williams’ soccer captain his freshman year at Point Park.

Williams said soccer is very common in England and serves as a pastime for what seems like almost everyone.

“It’s pretty much all everyone does back home,” the junior history major said. “Every kid plays soccer.”

Two years ago, Williams moved away from England to pursue his collegiate soccer career — an experience that Williams prides himself in and calls his “biggest accomplishment”.

“I reached the end of a contract back home and wanted to go to a university alongside playing, so knowing someone here gave me that bridge to do both,” Williams said.

His freshman year, Williams was named to the 2014 Kentucky Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (KIAC) Men’s Soccer All-Conference team, an award that considers athletes in specific positions and is voted on by the conference’s coaches.

Along with his award, Williams’ favorite soccer memory is beating University of Northwestern Ohio during his freshman year in overtime in his first game at Point Park.

“It was just such a good scalp for us and gave us so much confidence for the year,” Williams said.

According to assistant  Men’s Soccer coach Jason Edwards, Williams has grown to become an essential player during his time at Point Park.

“It would be hard to replace Josh this season,” Edwards said. “We have to keep him healthy and fit.”

This year, Williams was chosen as one of two captains for the men’s soccer team alongside close friend and teammate Paul Carr, whom he became friends with six years ago back in England.

“It’s clear to see why Josh is captain,” Edwards said. “He has great command of the team and in the field, [and] makes sure everyone does their jobs. It was an easy pick.”

According to Point Park’s 2015 statistics, Williams started 12 of the 13 games he played in. During those 13 games, Williams attempted five shots and scored one goal.

“[He’s] an agile player who isn’t afraid to put his body where it hurts…[Williams] always gives 100 percent, [is] very committed, and always wants to get the best out of himself,” Carr said of his friend and co-captain.

William’s pregame rituals include listening to English Rap, something that Williams notes is “really different from music here.”

Williams fills up the rest of his free time by relaxing, spending time with his friends, and keeping up with his friends and family from England. Williams, a history major, plans on becoming a graduate assistant for St. Vincent’s for their men and women’s soccer upon graduating. He later wants to use his history degree to teach high school or college level students and is hopeful to stay in the United States.