Khalid Hersi comes from a Footy loving family. Last week the Hersi family celebrated a dream come true as Khalid Hersi signed for USL League 1 side and local club Portland Hearts of Pine.
The Hersi family moved to Lewiston, Maine from Atlanta when Khalid was 2. The Lewiston, Maine community is home to several hundred Somali families.
Lewiston has reaped the benefits with the influx of talent as the Lewiston High School Blue Devils are one of the best public school soccer teams in New England. There have been several Somalian players who have excelled throughout the years for Lewiston, bringing home a state Championship and several deep playoff runs.
Not only has Lewiston High School's soccer program been one of the best around, 2 local semi-pro teams have spawned within the central Maine city, Lewiston Star and Wahda United. Wahda is where Hersi last played garnishing all UPSL honors. Before Wahda, Hersi was a member of the University of Southern Maine Huskies soccer team.
It was at the Hearts of Pine open tryout where Hersi wowed manager Bobby Murphy and the rest of the coaching staff. Hersi stood out among the 100+ hopefuls and earned himself his 1st pro contract.
Not only was Hersi signed because of his ability, but he was also signed as an inspiration and ambassador for the club as he has proved that anything is possible with hard work and dedication........
Photos Courtesy of Portland Hearts of Pine Insta
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