All eyes are on the game of soccer as the 2026 FIFA World Cup has taken over stadiums and living rooms across North America. The opening U.S. match against Paraguay drew more than 18 million viewers, making it the most-watched men's soccer game in American history. For Gavin Carlin ’14, who crossed the Atlantic a decade ago with nothing but a soccer scholarship and a dream, the moment felt personal.
When Carlin landed in America from Ireland in September 2011, he had never set foot in the United States before. Three days later, he started classes at Jacksonville University.
"I call it almost like an incubation period into the American way of life for an Irish immigrant fresh off the boat," Carlin said. "I will forever be indebted to JU for giving me the foundation to build a life in America."
That foundation began as a student-athlete, on full scholarship with the JU men’s soccer team. In his first season at JU, Carlin ranked in the top 25 NCAA goalkeepers. Following a four-year playing career, he graduated with a degree in sociology, a deep appreciation for his adopted city and no immediate plan for what came next.
A $40 private coaching session changed everything.
"It blew my mind at the time that someone would pay me that for an hour of soccer," Carlin said. "I knew I had to scale it."
Carlin saved every penny, rented an indoor facility and launched Good Lad Soccer, the first indoor soccer camps in Jacksonville. Today, Good Lad Soccer is one of Jacksonville's most recognized youth soccer academies, building well-rounded players of all ages who’ve gone on to play in high school, college and professionally around the world. Over the past decade, their summer camps have welcomed more than 1,400 players . Five-on-five tournaments now regularly draw more than 300 players per event. And this summer, Good Lad Soccer is making history as the academy takes 70 players to compete in the Foyle Cup in Ireland, one of the largest youth soccer tournaments in Europe and the biggest in the Emerald Isle.
"Watching Gavin's journey has been incredibly meaningful for me personally. He was once one of my students at Jacksonville University, and years later, he became my son's soccer coach,” said Dean of Students Dr. Kristie Gover. “Today, my son is playing soccer in college, which is a testament to the impact coaches like Gavin have on young people. What began with an opportunity for an international student at JU has grown into a thriving local soccer community through Good Lad Soccer that will continue to shape generations of student-athletes. Gavin is exactly the kind of alumnus who reminds us why we invest so deeply in our students. The return on that investment extends far beyond our campus and long after graduation."
Good Lad Soccer, Carlin hopes, is giving the next generation of players the same chance he got to see the world through his beloved game.
To learn more about Good Lad Soccer, visit their website.
