Playing On FC Tulsa Pitch A Dream Come True For Homegrown Midfielder Ciaran Winters

FC Tulsa will host Sporting KC II in their home opener Saturday night. Midfielder Ciaran Winters has been dreaming of this day his entire life.

Every FC Tulsa player that steps foot on the pitch has two goals: win games and live out the dream of playing professional.  

That door came knocking for Tulsa native Winters.

"When an opportunity comes around like I had with Coach Nsien and FC Tulsa a great team in one of the highest leagues, it’s hard to turn down,” Winters said.

Growing up watching his dad play for the Tulsa Roughnecks, all Winters wanted to do was follow the same path as his father. That dream became a reality this season, as he became the first player in club history to earn a professional contract after being an academy player.

"I didn't know it would happen this fast, but I appreciate everyone that’s helped me get here to this point and it’s a dream,” Winters said.

His professional development has also picked up steam. He said sharing the pitch with seasoned veterans has only elevated his game.

"If I was to go to college, I would playing with people my age arguably not as good as everyone here so playing with guys that have been playing for five, ten years professionally. It’s been crazy for my development,” Winters said.

Along with living out his dream, playing in his hometown makes this story even sweeter.

"Tulsa fans they are the best they are loud they are crazy just amazing,” Winters said.

FC Tulsa’s home opener is at 7 p.m. Saturday night.