2025-08-22, 10:26 AM - Word count:
As the late summer breeze of August carries changes in the weather and the first tidings of autumn, so too comes many a new prospect to the SSL Academy.
One of them sits across from me; tall, blonde and mustachioed despite only being in his early 20s, he looks more like a storybook character than a footballer. With a name to match--Rip Van Winkle--it should be no surprise why I was especially excited for this rendition of ASN Football Journal interviews.
---
So Rip, first off; pleasure to meet you. Welcome to the Academy. Do you mind telling me how your football career started?
"Ah, sure. I mean, I've known football since I was a kid. I grew up around a lot of Dutchmen and you know, lots of popularity with football there. They got me started quite young and I knew the same day it's something I wanted in my life forever."
That's lovely--and you mention Dutchmen, but you grew up in New York, correct? Are you Dutch yourself?
"My mom is, yeah. I guess I would be Dutch-American."
Right. The fans and your fellow players will want to know about your personal life too. Which town do you call home?
"I can't say."
Pardon?
"I can't tell you." He didn't seem secretive. If anything, he looked just as confused as I.
Why is that?
"I don't know. No name to it."
Okay. Any area nearby you can name?
"Uhm... it was in the Catskills."
Catskills. That'll be unique on the report card, for sure.
---
I could already tell at this point that this would be a--needless to say--strange interview for the standards those I've conducted with other Academy players. But, even that knowledge would not prepare me for the answers to come.
---
So, what position do you play and who's one player you're looking forward to teaming up with?
"Well, I play all down the right flank. I prefer wing back but you know, life doesn't always give us what we want. As for a teammate, well... I don't know anyone here yet. One time, I dreamt about a very tall centreback named Claude who could kick the ball like a horse. Strong, strong leg. I hope he's real." His expression donned not a morsel of comedy, Rip was serious about Claude.
I hope he is too. I think you and Claude would make a fantastic team.
Next, what would you consider your greatest strength, and greatest weakness?
(laughs) "Well, my greatest strength is my community. They've always supported me dearly. My greatest weakness... Keeping my girlfriend happy?" A sly smile painted his lips as he spoke the final words.
(silence)
"Maybe that's not appropriate for an interview like this."
No, no it's fine. I was debating if I should laugh.
"You can always laugh." (laughs)
(chuckles) I appreciate that.
Just like the dream-teammate Claude inspires you, what's one way you want to inspire your young fans to follow in your footsteps?
(shakes his head) "Don't do that. I wouldn't do that."
(...)
Okay, Rip. Thank you for your time today, we've got one more question. What's one thing you want to show the SSL world in your academy and debut seasons?
Rip thought for a moment. I could tell this was the hardest question to answer yet.
"Probably my dog, Wolf."
---
Rip Van Winkle's full biography will be releasing shortly. Keep an eye on this one, I get a feeling he'll be going places. Make sure to subscribe to the ASN Football Journal; we'll be going right along with him.
One of them sits across from me; tall, blonde and mustachioed despite only being in his early 20s, he looks more like a storybook character than a footballer. With a name to match--Rip Van Winkle--it should be no surprise why I was especially excited for this rendition of ASN Football Journal interviews.
---
So Rip, first off; pleasure to meet you. Welcome to the Academy. Do you mind telling me how your football career started?
"Ah, sure. I mean, I've known football since I was a kid. I grew up around a lot of Dutchmen and you know, lots of popularity with football there. They got me started quite young and I knew the same day it's something I wanted in my life forever."
That's lovely--and you mention Dutchmen, but you grew up in New York, correct? Are you Dutch yourself?
"My mom is, yeah. I guess I would be Dutch-American."
Right. The fans and your fellow players will want to know about your personal life too. Which town do you call home?
"I can't say."
Pardon?
"I can't tell you." He didn't seem secretive. If anything, he looked just as confused as I.
Why is that?
"I don't know. No name to it."
Okay. Any area nearby you can name?
"Uhm... it was in the Catskills."
Catskills. That'll be unique on the report card, for sure.
---
I could already tell at this point that this would be a--needless to say--strange interview for the standards those I've conducted with other Academy players. But, even that knowledge would not prepare me for the answers to come.
---
So, what position do you play and who's one player you're looking forward to teaming up with?
"Well, I play all down the right flank. I prefer wing back but you know, life doesn't always give us what we want. As for a teammate, well... I don't know anyone here yet. One time, I dreamt about a very tall centreback named Claude who could kick the ball like a horse. Strong, strong leg. I hope he's real." His expression donned not a morsel of comedy, Rip was serious about Claude.
I hope he is too. I think you and Claude would make a fantastic team.
Next, what would you consider your greatest strength, and greatest weakness?
(laughs) "Well, my greatest strength is my community. They've always supported me dearly. My greatest weakness... Keeping my girlfriend happy?" A sly smile painted his lips as he spoke the final words.
(silence)
"Maybe that's not appropriate for an interview like this."
No, no it's fine. I was debating if I should laugh.
"You can always laugh." (laughs)
(chuckles) I appreciate that.
Just like the dream-teammate Claude inspires you, what's one way you want to inspire your young fans to follow in your footsteps?
(shakes his head) "Don't do that. I wouldn't do that."
(...)
Okay, Rip. Thank you for your time today, we've got one more question. What's one thing you want to show the SSL world in your academy and debut seasons?
Rip thought for a moment. I could tell this was the hardest question to answer yet.
"Probably my dog, Wolf."
---
Rip Van Winkle's full biography will be releasing shortly. Keep an eye on this one, I get a feeling he'll be going places. Make sure to subscribe to the ASN Football Journal; we'll be going right along with him.
