Quaker Valley’s Landon Grant to play soccer in England

By: HSSN Staff
Friday, August 10, 2018 | 11:45 PM

Quaker Valley graduate Landon Grant is crossing the Atlantic to continue his soccer career.

Grant, who will be a freshman, will attend the Richmond International Academic & Soccer Academy in England.

As part of its Leeds program, he will play soccer, while studying for a bachelor’s degree in international sports management.

“This decision aligned best with what goals I (have),” Grant said. “In this point of my career, RIASA offered the best opportunity.”

Grant, a midfielder, scored 30-plus goals and led Quaker Valley to the PIAA Class AA title last season. He also was the placekicker on the Quaker football team, which swept WPIAL and PIAA Class AAA crowns.

Grant, who is 5-foot-9, said he may return to the U.S. to play.

He considered Pitt, Penn State, Penn and Messiah.

“After a year in England, it may be the right time to go to a school like one of these,” he said. “My goal is mainly to grow as a soccer player physically and understand the level of play needed to have success at the next stage.”

Retired Quaker Valley soccer coach Gene Klein heads U.S. recruitment for the academy.

“(It is) a terrific experience,” Klein said. “(You) play in a very good league (from) August until May.”

Current Quaker Valley coach Andrew Marshall admires Grant.

“It is rare for a player to embark on such an endeavor,” Marshall said. “It requires such bravery and courage to leave what is comfortable and challenge yourself.”

Karen Kadilak is a freelance writer.

Tags: Quaker Valley