“Playing for Kickers so far has been a great experience” (Davis on Würzburger Kickers)

Since his first experience with IFX Nürnberg, back in the summer of 2023, the young Californian striker has shown what he's made of: an unbreakable attitude to face challenges and a fierce work ethic to put behind it.

His first experience with German football came through our soccer trial program (Pro 30 Day), which, as he tells us, gave him a clear idea of the path he needed to follow to achieve his goal: starting a professional career in Europe. His time at our partner soccer boarding school (Soccer City), and his joining of 1.FC Eichfeld were critical steps that enabled him to adapt to the speed and style of German game. After an outstanding fall season racking up an impressive 9 goals in 7 games for the U19s, and 9 goals in 11 games for the Eichsfeld semi-pro men’s team, we considered him ready to be introduced to higher levels, and that is how the opportunity to sign for professional club Würzburger Kickers came.

The former Ballistic United MLS Next Academy player Colin Davis joined Würzburger Kickers in the winter, and he has earned the trust of coach Jannik through his work ethic, enabling him to solidify his starting position at striker in recent weeks. Colin has been in Germany for almost a year and we wanted to hear from him first hand what the experience has been like. We invited him to an interview and he kindly accepted to answer all our questions.

IFX Nürnberg: How you are doing in Germany? How have you taken the change?

Collin D.: Germany for me has been a great experience so far. I’ve almost been here a year and I feel like I’ve learned so much about the German football style, the culture and many more things. When I first came here in July, I really liked it because I got to see Munich, Berlin, Nurnberg and more.

IFX Nürnberg: What can you tell us about Würzburger Kickers?

Colin D.: Playing for Kickers so far has been a great experience. My coach Jannik has been super helpful in helping me get settled into the team and also the players have been very friendly with me. It took me the first couple weeks of training to adjust and get comfortable with the team during preseason but after that its been very good. I've solidified my starting position at striker starting my first four official matches in a row. I’ve yet to score but it has been good.

IFX Nürnberg: What is a typical training day like with Würzburger Kickers second team?

Colin D.: A typical training session would vary on which day it is. Typically, we warm up, do some kind of technical training or mental training whether you have to use your brain for the drill or just some passing drills with technical work. Then we will usually do a possession drill, maybe some tactical stuff on a day later in the week, and then we will finish off with some sort of game.

IFX Nürnberg: Could you tell us how much you've improved your technique, your understanding of the game, or if you found it challenging to adapt to the German style and its demands?

Colin D.: Yeah I think my technique has improved a lot and also my understanding of the game has gotten a lot faster. The biggest thing I notice in German football is how intense and physical it is and I think even coming to Germany before I was a physical and high press kind of player so it was perfect to come to Germany because it fit my playing style.

IFX Nürnberg: What have been the main contributing factors to your success so far in pursuing a pro career in soccer?

Colin D.: I think the main things are just performing on the field, your actions speak louder than any kind of words and also just to put in extra work. All the extra work I put in outside of team training contributes a lot, you cannot get to the pro levels in my opinion just doing the bare minimum.

IFX Nürnberg: What are your teammates like? Tell us more about the Regionalliga Bayern?

Colin D.: My teammates are nice and very friendly. I've gotten along with them pretty well and it's been good interactions with them only so far. My team competes in Bayernliga which is second division in Germany youth for the state of Bayern which I am in. It’s going pretty good we are 4th in the league and realistically shooting for 2nd or 3rd place. We have about six games left so I'm looking to get some goals and end the season strong.