How Soccer changed my life | Joseph Thumbi Wangige

Over the years here at IFX we have gotten to known not only talented footballers but also exceptional people sharing the same passion of football. Success is the result of dogged determination and focus while moving ahead in the path of hard work. This is particularly the case for Joseph Thumbi Wangige, a former IFX student who left his native Nyeri, Kenya and successfully overcame many hardships throughout his life, first as a young boy who escaped the life living on the streets, with torn clothes and bare feet to become an exclusive and incredible hopeful gentleman.

This is Joseph's inspirational success story he wanted to share and we love to spread it. Enjoy it!

My life stretches well beyond the time I was rescued by the late Brother Dominic Jordan who by then was the principal of St.Mary's boys secondary school and street children rescue centre. I can't find good enough words to describe his introduction of the rescue centre and how it has become a sanctuary to thousands of many hopeless, orphans and vulnerable kids. May his soul rest in peace.

In 1998 I was rescued and taken to the centre fresh from the streets and it was a struggle adapting to the new life which I never knew would help me shape my destiny. Since I was at the centre as a ten or twelve years old boy, I remember always being with a soccer ball. I went through primary school and

thereafter I joined St. Mary's Boys secondary school in 2004. I recall my most memorable time in high school helping my school qualify for the National Soccer Championship in 2007 and was named Most Valuable Player.

As a young boy I started just playing on the roads, streets and in the slums. When I got older I would go to watch games especially when the national team played. I wanted to see my heroes and imagine myself as them.

My biggest excitement was in 2007 when I met Richard McKay through the late Brother Dominic and he (Richard) was dazzled with my talent he promised to support my education and soccer talent. I always reflect on Brother Dominic Jordan telling me I was the best player in the school. He always pushed me to my limits through education and soccer.

My breakthrough and dream to make it to professional soccer came in 2015, when Richard McKay, Brother Peter Kombe and International Futbol X-Change President Michael Carlson pulled together to ensure I had the best possible shot at pursuing my only passion of soccer. I made to England, I went to live with a host family that I didn't even know! They took me in, they took care of me and did everything to help me so I could focus on my education and my soccer. They always always turned out to cheer me on with pride as I made twists and turns on defenders while wearing the Newport FC Isle Of Wight soccer club jersey. Each time I took to the pitch, it was an opportunity to show my gratitude to every donor who made it possible and to every kid rescued from the street life in Nyeri-Kenya.