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GRAND RAPIDS - Getting to work near dawn some days and staying past 6 p.m. on others is a fair trade to Nick Abdoo, as long as he can play soccer.

Abdoo is software developer at Amway in Ada, but also plays before thousands of fans locally as an attacking midfielder with Grand Rapids FC.

Some days, Abdoo jumps into his car at Amway mid-morning, drives to MVP Fieldhouse on 28th Street and changes for practice. About two hours later, he showers and heads back to work. Sometimes on Fridays, he hustles out early to travel for that night's road game.

"It's definitely not easy and it's a big-time commitment during the three-plus months that the season is going on," Abdoo said. "But it's worth it. I'm fortunate to have a job that's flexible and a boss who allows me to take time off for practice or leave a little early for a game somewhere."

Abdoo is not alone. There are a few players on the fourth-tier club in the National Premier Soccer League who are willing - and able - to juggle a full-time job in order to have a connection with the city's soccer team.

In the NPSL, clubs have the option to pay their team members though very few do. It would preclude the use of college players. So GRFC looks to create a balance.

"Those guys, ones with careers and full-time jobs, also provide leadership and set an example to the college-age players," said Matt Roberts, co-owner of the second-year team. "The younger guys will look at their commitment and what they go through and say, 'Man, I have to push myself to be a little better every day.'"

Tony Deakin is the captain of GRFC, beloved by the Grand Army fan base, but the 31-year-old is also the fitness manager at the Salvation Army Kroc Center in Grand Rapids. He is in charge of personal trainers, group exercises and fitness attendance. Then, he trades capes to become the prime defender for the Boys in Blue.

"Soccer has given me so much and has given me so much in my life," Deakin said. "So I want to play as long as I can. My job allows me to have a career and provides me the flexibility to remain a part of this. So even though it involves a lot of time, it is something I'm more than willing to do."

Another, forward Gabe Mateo, works with Motor Motors dealership in Kalamazoo where he purchases cars at auctions and puts them up for sale. Through it, he makes the commute from the dealership to the soccer field to stay connected to the game.

"My job is great in that I can set my own hours," Mateo said. "My money is contingent on my time, so if it works out right I have plenty of time for soccer."

Roberts said it is not by chance GRFC's roster has a mix of veterans co-mingled with college-age players. The team ranges in age from 18 to 31, with 10 to 12 players still with NCAA college eligibility.

"We cut it into two sections," Roberts said. "We like to have some of the older, more mature players and also have some of the youth and vigor and excitement they bring."

It works. The Boys in Blue host AFC Ann Arbor at 7:45 p.m. Friday with a chance to secure first place in the Great Lakes West Conference.

That's exactly why it's worth it, said Abdoo.

"I was one of their first signings because I really wanted to be a part of it," he said. "And this is what I love. I love to play so to be out there in front of 6,500 people at this point is definitely worth it."

Pete Wallner covers sports for MLive/Grand Rapids Press. Email him at pwallner@mlive.com or follow him on Twitter, Facebook or Google+.