May 1, 2023 – United Soccer League One (USL1) – Forward Madison FC News Release
Aiden Mesias is new to Madison in 2023, but he’s no stranger to coming to a new city. The 23-year-old native of London, England has played soccer all across the world. His journey began at a young age first with Charlton Athletic and then with Queens Park Rangers academy.
“At QPR’s academy, we’d train three times a week,” Mesias said. “Let’s say Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, game Sunday, So we’d go and have lunch, train, do some academic work, then train again in the evening.”
After being in the QPR academy from 2012-2019, Mesias decided it was time to take his talents to the United States in the form of USL Championship soccer with Hartford Athletic. After one season in Connecticut, the pandemic and an injury changed the course of Mesias’ career.
“After the 2020 season was done, I didn’t get a contract and then had an injury afterwards. I didn’t play football for an entire year. I trained and rehabbed and then went to Germany in 2021. It was a great experience, but outside of football, I was lonely. I was by myself and didn’t know how to speak the language. The boys tried to help me out, but there was only so much that I could pick up on.”
While at SSV Ulm 1846 in Germany, Mesias had a switch in mentality while on the pitch that altered his way of thinking about the game.
“It was the changing of one word: have to must. If I went up for a header and didn’t win it, I’d say I have to win it the next time. The guys around me would say you must win it next time, and that shifted my thinking. We were fighting for promotion there and while we didn’t win it, it’s an experience I’ll cherish.”
The year in Germany led Mesias to consider his future options with his agent. After discussing, Mesias decided it was in his best interest to return to America. Mesias connected with Forward Madison Head Coach Matt Glaeser and his coaching staff, ultimately leading him to becoming part of the Forward Madison squad. He arrived in Madison along with the rest of the squad at the start of 2023.
“For a group of guys that arrived a couple months ago, we’ve gelled so well. It’s absurd. I think it goes to show respect for the Boss [Matt Glaeser] and the vets that have made the new guys feel welcome and part of something. It’s really special here.”
That special feeling is one that Mesias remarks is part of an overall collective culture building amongst everyone at the Club.
“The Boss has made it clear that…