Auston Trusty's childhood pals thought he was weird for wanting to play football. But the Celtic ace is now determined to ride the World Cup wave and inspire the next generation of American youngsters.
From Teased to Triumph
Trusty is part of the USA squad that kicks off the greatest show on earth on home soil against Paraguay this weekend, before taking on Australia and Turkey. The Hoops ace is thrilled to be living his World Cup dream after being teased about the game as a kid.
Speaking to the Celtic Podcast, Trusty said: “When I was growing up playing soccer, it wasn’t the cool thing to do – I was considered weird for wanting to play that. When we were out in the back yard playing with our friends, it would be American football, basketball, baseball, every sport. But when I mentioned football, that was definitely out of the question.”
Trusty had to bribe his brother to play soccer: “I’d play lacrosse with him for 30 minutes then he’d play soccer with me for 30 minutes. I ended up getting really good at lacrosse – I was getting recruited for that but I loved soccer.”
A Sporting Family
The youngest of six kids in a sporting family, Trusty was forced to attend every track meet, basketball game, American football game, soccer game, and baseball game. He had five really good mentors in his siblings, who took their sports seriously. They played at high levels in basketball, high jump, long-distance track, triple jump, lacrosse, and then me. Trusty played basketball, baseball, and American football but always knew he loved football best.
His sister Onnie inspired him: “I don’t know too many male footballers who were inspired by their sister playing. But she played for the US National youth team and was on the path to play for the full team but unfortunately broke her hip. Before that I saw her really thrive and get so many opportunities so I could see a pathway and opportunity there.”
World Cup Dream
Trusty set out with dreams of playing in Europe, but the target was always reaching the biggest stage. He hopes to provide inspiration for American children to follow in his footsteps.
“Every decision I’ve made in my career has been with the thought of getting into the national team to play at the World Cup. Coming to Celtic put me on a pedestal, that was a big plus coming here. Having to perform every game, having to win all the time, playing in the Champions League.”
“Playing overseas has also helped me and a lot of my team-mates to grow, physically and mentally to handle that pressure of whatever situations you are in. We are in a good spot. The squad we have, I don’t know the full history of all the national team squads and where they’ve been but I think there would be a great argument that this is probably the most talented we’ve ever had.”
“It’s even more special, playing at a World Cup is something you dream of as a little kid and get inspired. The South Africa World Cup, I really got true inspiration from that. Hearing the team song, seeing the flag, it was really inspiring and for me and other young kids it inspired us to take it seriously.”
“Playing in a World Cup has been my ultimate dream, representing your country, being one of the best players for your country at that time. To be one of the players who has the possibility to inspire the next generation. Being the host nation you want to put on a good show and inspire Americans to pick up a football rather than an American football or basketball. It will be really cool for me to see how American fans really embrace the World Cup.”
Gutted for Teammate
Trusty is relishing being involved but admitted he’s gutted for Celtic teammate Cameron Carter-Vickers. The pair have been USA regulars over the years, but his Hoops pal will miss out after his season was wrecked by injury.
Trusty said: “It’s the highs and lows of football, so it’s unfortunate what happened to Cam. He’s got a strong mind, he’s powering through and he will get through it. We have a good relationship playing, him on the left and me on the right.”
