OPINION

Marc Burch | Guest columnist

Why Memphis? Why not?

I already know this blue-collar town is all about working hard and finding a way to succeed, and that’s been my mindset my entire life.

I am from Cincinnati, Ohio, and grew up in a middle-class neighborhood. My mom and dad are hard-working people who did everything they could to help us succeed in life. I have five older sisters and two older brothers.

We were taught to work hard at everything we did. Being from such a big family, my parents knew they would not have enough money to send us all to college, so we needed to be good at something.

For me, that turned out to be soccer.

I fell in love with the game of soccer while playing with my brothers and sisters in our backyard, but what I really always loved was the competition. I wanted to win and succeed at what I was doing. That’s always been important to me. I learned how to do moves, tackle, shoot, and cross, all in my backyard.

There was something about seeing my older siblings playing that gave me the drive to do what they were doing, but also try to be better.

{{props.notification}} {{props.tag}} {{props.expression}} {{props.linkSubscribe.text}} {{#modules.acquisition.inline}}{{/modules.acquisition.inline}} ... Our reporting. Your stories. Get unlimited digital access to exclusive content. Subscribe Now

As I think about it, all of this reflects Memphis, too. Not being given anything. Having to work. And work, and work. And wanting to not just do something, but wanting to be the best at it.

Travis Lamprecht

I’ve had many highs in my career. I’ve played in MLS. I’ve played against top European teams. I’ve played on the same fields as Ronaldo, Beckham, Ibra (Ibrahimovic), Drogba, Lampard, Pirlo, Lukaku, David Villa, Robbie Keane, and even Tim Howard.

The game of soccer has taken me to incredible places, and I’ve met so many amazing people. That includes Memphis.

When you work, when you put in the effort, and when you are dedicated, Memphis can springboard you to new heights.

What we are building with Memphis 901 FC is the next step in the evolution of this city. I know Memphis’ style of people and style of living is something I want to be a part of.

This ownership group and coaching staff believes in what Memphis 901 FC is trying to do, and when they told me about this project, it was a no-brainer for wanting to be a part of it. Not only on the field, but lifestyle-wise, too. With the birth of my twin boys at the start of this year, I want to be in a place we can call home.

Brandon Dahlberg / For CommercialAppeal.com

It’s all coming full-circle. From Cincinnati and playing soccer in the backyard with my family to Memphis and raising my family here.

This is an opportunity to have a fresh start, and as the first team captain in franchise history, be a leader on a new team. To help show the young guys just starting their professional careers what it takes day-in and day-out to make it.

Skill and raw ability can only take you so far in this game, and the only thing that can make you successful is having the right mentality.

That’s life. That’s Memphis, too.

I’m glad to be here, and I can’t wait to go on this journey with all of you.

Marc Burch is the newest member and team captain of Memphis 901 FC. He is an experienced fullback who has played for six MLS teams. His University of Maryland team won the College Cup in 2005 and he scored the winning goal.

Memphis 901 FC