When Greenville FC launched in November 2017, no one knew what to expect in the inaugural season. Could they be successful? Would people show up? Was Greenville ready for lower division soccer?

The season did not end the way many Greenville FC fans had hoped as the team fell just short of making the playoffs. However, by most metrics the team was a success. It averaged a larger attendance than most other teams in the conference, boasted a world class supporters’ group and collected its first piece of hardware by capturing the first Carolina Classico trophy.

To put the icing on the cake, on Friday, Aug. 3, Greenville FC gained national recognition when 3-year-old Leithan “Lugnut” Allen was named the NPSL’s Supporter of the Year for 2018. Lugnut is the youngest ever recipient of the award.

His prize? Fifty custom scarves.

Greenville FC does not have an official mascot. Many soccer teams do not. But from Day 1 many fans, and even the team itself, have recognized Lugnut as the unofficial mascot. Whether he was waving a flag, blowing a horn, banging a drum or yelling in support, Lugnut was an integral part of the Mill Town Operatives all season.

It was an honor for Lugnut to even be one of four finalists. But when it came time to vote, the fans turned out. Many notable Upstate personalities offered their support through tweets and mentions on television and radio. Several news outlets ran features on the vote. Other supporters’ groups across the country also gave their endorsements for Allen.

Then something amazing happened. Current and former stars of Major League Soccer and a current U.S. Men’s National Team member gave their stamp of approval.

It is no surprise that Lugnut eventually walked away with this award. He certainly had some heavy hitters behind him. But this story is more than just the tale of a cute kid who captured fans’ hearts.

Lugnut is a representative of everything that is great about lower division soccer in this country. He rocks the team gear. He cheers his head off at games. He gets out on the field at halftime and practices his dribbling and shooting. He goes home and practices his soccer skills even more. Every fan in town knows who he is. Every player knows who he is. He is as much a part of Greenville FC as the Carrizales family in many ways.

I have no doubt that in the long run, this award will be just a small blip on his soccer career as a player and a fan. He has so much in front of him. It’s not too much to dream of one day seeing him put that jersey on, not as a fan, but as a player, to help bring another national award home to Greenville — this time for his play on the pitch.

Congrats, Lugnut. GTID.