WINDSOR, Colo. – The Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC announced today that the team has signed midfielder McCain Clarke to a two-year contract.
Clarke was born in Arizona but considers himself a Colorado Native after living in the state for most of his life thus far. The 18-year-old spent time training with the Hailstorm during practice sessions in 2022, driving up north from Broomfield, Colo.
“[McCain] came up and trained with us for part of the season last year and showed a lot of quality and a lot of ambition,” Head Coach Eamon Zayed said.
In that short time, Clarke was able to learn from the Hailstorm players and staff and get a taste of what being a professional footballer is like.
“All of my teammates [have been] great mentors to me, and my coaches are really good,” Clarke said. “I’ve learned a lot from the experience of being a professional athlete and where they’ve been. It’s been a great learning experience.”
The young signee said he’s excited about the opportunity to play close to home.
“I love Colorado,” Clarke said. “My family lives here, all of my friends. It’s awesome because I just love this state.”
Despite his age, that ambition and maturity shine through.
“I’m really excited to get back to work and have a fun season, and hopefully win some games,” Clarke said. “I want to improve, and every day be a better version of myself and just learn from my teammates and help them be the best that they can be.”
That drive is exactly what Coach Zayed is looking for in his players, especially the young, local additions.
“He epitomizes one of our philosophies here of trying to find talented youth in Colorado,” Zayed said. “I think he’s definitely one for the future, and hopefully he’s one for the future with us here with the Hailstorm.”
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The future home of Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC, 118-acre Future Legends Complex, will feature 6,500-seat TicketSmarter Stadium, 2,500-seat Future Legends Field, multiple baseball diamonds, multi-purpose fields, an indoor sports arena, lodging, and retail; and will host guests for major sports leagues, tournaments, events and more.
More information is available at HailstormFC.com and FutureLegendsComplex.com.