Congrats to Sergiu Farca on winning our September 2024 UCHealth Player of the Month award!
Sergiu Farca plays in midfield for our Rapids ECNL-RL 08B team and is considered by his coaches and teammates to be humble, disciplined, and a technically sound player. He is a versatile midfielder who strives to improve the tactical and technical aspects of his game. Sergiu is the 2024 ECRL Boys All Around Conference Winner. Outside of CRYSC, Sergiu is the captain of his high school Varsity team. At school, he is a member of the National Honors Society (NHS) and the National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS). Sergiu also founded the weightlifting club, where he is a tutor and a leader to younger students. In his free time, he volunteers at events organized by the Romanian community in Colorado.
This October, Sergiu will be presented with a plaque and a gift card to acknowledge his achievements. We spoke with Sergiu to learn a bit more about him. Check out the full interview below!
What influence has soccer had in your life?
I have been playing soccer since I was three. When I started playing soccer, I used to “pass” corner kicks to myself and then try to score. I’ve always played soccer with a lot of joy and passion. This wonderful sport taught me discipline, focus, and teamwork. I learned to balance sports and academics. I made many friends, met new people, and traveled to cool places.
Why do you believe that you were nominated for this award?
I believe I was nominated for this award because I am dedicated to improving my technical, tactical, physical parts of my game; at the same time, I am a team player by supporting and uplifting my teammates.
What do you enjoy most about playing for Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club?
I love my experience at Rapids and the lifelong friends I made. I’ve had numerous Rapids coaches support me which built my character and made me a better player.
What soccer accomplishment are you most proud of?
My Rapids teammates and I won P1 several times, reached regionals and nationals with my EDS and ECNL-RL teams. I made the ECRL Boys All Around Conference team. I’ve been part of the Varsity team at Lakewood High School since I was a freshman and I am team captain now. When I was a sophomore, my Varsity team beat the no. 1 team in Colorado during playoffs. I trained many summers in Romania and received valuable advice from my coach there; I also trained with a second league team.
What academic achievement are you most proud of?
I approach school the same way I approach soccer, with a high standard. My academic accolades include memberships to National Honors Society (NHS) and National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS). I’m proud of my work in STEM subjects: I plan to finish high school with Calculus III done along with AP Physics and AP Chemistry.
How do you think your teammates would describe you?
I hope my teammates describe me as a humble, hardworking player, supporting the team. They would probably also say I’m funny, kind, and calm. Their friendship means a lot.
What is something that shows your exemplary character, commitment to sportsmanship, community involvement, etc..?
On and off the field, I try to be a role model to my teammates and give them positive advice. My high school coach encourages the Varsity team to play soccer with students with disabilities and so, every season, we play with amazing kids. At my high school, I founded the weightlifting club; I am a tutor and a leader guiding freshmen. I also volunteer to different events organized by the Romanian community in Colorado.
What’s your favorite soccer player and team?
I am a Barcelona and Messi fan. Messi stayed positive, constantly improved his game, and carried his teams towards winning Champions League, World Cup and Copa America. I also admire players like Ronaldinho, Xavi, Modric, Pirlo, Iniesta, Kroos, De Bruyne; their ingenuity and visionary passes improved the sport. As a football fan, I enjoyed touring Camp Nou one summer and attending EURO 2024 in Germany and watching some great matches live. I saw Luka Modric, Rodri, Lamine Yamal, Carvajal, Gvardiol, Mudryk, Dragusin, etc.
What do you hope to pursue in the near future?
A career in STEM. I see myself a scientist, an engineer, or a physicist.
Who inspires you and why? This can be someone famous or someone you know personally!
My parents inspire me; they taught me to prioritize academics and find a balance between school and soccer, one that benefits both. Without soccer, I would not be a good student and vice versa. My grandfather encouraged me to play with both feet, with my head up and told me to play “fara frica” (no fear). My coaches, many of them at Rapids, improved my game and helped me grow as a player.
What else do you enjoy outside of playing for CRYSC?
Apart from watching soccer, I enjoy watching basketball and tennis. I enjoy going to high school sports, especially the football games. I like going out with my friends; we play pickleball and tennis and we also go on hikes in the mountains. I spend time with my parents and my brother and I love traveling with my family.
Since 2018, CRYSC and UCHealth + CU Orthopedics and Sports Medicine have worked together in an effort to grow the safety and health resources that are available for Rapids Youth players and members.
As our partnership strengthens with UCHealth, we want to work together to highlight the amazing players within the Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club with a monthly ‘Player of the Month’. Check out the criteria and nominate any players that deserve to be highlighted by UCHealth and CRYSC on the UCHealth Player of the Month page.
