James Jackson’s trip across the pond is coming up soon and Warren County Youth Soccer is doing everything it can to support the local soccer phenom.
On Tuesday, WCYS president John Upchurch presented Jackson with a check for $500, along with a goodie bag of items for the 14-year-old to take with him when he travels to England in late July.  The presentation was made at Pistole Park, where Upchurch and the local youth soccer league held a 3-on-3 soccer tournament to raise money for Jackson’s upcoming trip.
Jackson earned the opportunity to travel to England when he was one of 18 players to be selected to the Tennessee Olympic developmental team in April. For the last two summers, Jackson has taken part on the Tennessee Select Team in an attempt of acheiving his long-term goal of representing the U.S. in Olympic play. This summer’s trip to England is another step in the right direction.
Upchurch was happy to help in the cause of sending Jackson to such a prestigious event. Upchurch believes seeing a young man succeed after developing his game in the WCYS league only gives more hope of soccer development locally.
“It’s a wonderful thing for us having a youth soccer player going this far,” said Upchurch. “Obviously James has gotten lots of help from home, but it’s wonderful having him going and representing our county.”
Along with $500, WCYS gave Jackson two soccer shirts, a sweatshirt and two jerseys. The jerseys could come in handy when Jackson makes the traditional exchange of jerseys following matches, like he did last summer playing in tournaments across the Southeast.
“Last year, I got a jersey from Louisiana – where I was born. That was really cool,” said Jackson.
While the trip will be an eye-opening experience for Jackson, the soon-to-be freshman who helped WCMS claim back-to-back Central Tennessee Conference championships wants to turn heads while competing against the best the world has to offer.
Jackson and his team will be competing against developmental teams in England associated with some of the top squads in the English Premier League – the top soccer league in the world. Jackson already knows two teams he’ll be taking on at the event.
While in London, Jackson and his team will face a development team for Westham. In Manchester, Jackson’s Select team will play the development team for Stoke City. Stoke City’s EPL team features U.S. soccer star Jeff Cameron, who will play on the U.S. National team in this year’s World Cup.
Jackson’s journey will begin in early July when he travels to Alabama to take part in a Southeastern regional event. Jackson will have the opportunity to make a Southeastern regional team while competing against other top U.S. players.
Jackson is scheduled to arrive in England July 23 and will stay 10 days. 
A funding account for Jackson has been set up at First National Bank and donations are being accepted.
For more information in helping Jackson’s trip, call 273-5797 or email 1mattjackson@gmail.com.