By Ethan, rising 8th grader, Write on Sports Alumni
As the Gatorade Boys National Player of the Year, Marcus Jackson knows more than most about making it to the highest levels of youth soccer. The West Orange standout heading to UCLA very kindly gave me a few tips to pass along to other keen young players during the NJ Youth Soccer event at the American Dream Mall on July 11, 2026.
"Quantity over Quality."
“It doesn’t really matter where you play — just play, play, play, play, play. That muscle memory from continuously touching the ball is really important” said Jackson during a one-on-one interview with me. “I didn’t play MLS Next until junior high. But I learned a lot more from playing a lower level than sitting on the bench at MLS Next. So I’d rather play, play, play and get quantity over quality. If you have club training and then do extra, you’ll get more from that than being at a better club and sitting on the bench. Just play nonstop.”
High School over MLS Next
When I asked Jackson about high school soccer over MLS Next, he had great insight to share. “If you’re on a really good MLS academy like Red Bulls and you’re a guaranteed starter, then it might be better for you to play MLS Next. But for most people, high school is better, especially if you’re in a competitive one, like I was at West Orange. That way you also get to play with kids you’ve grown up with. I’ve played with some of my West Orange teammates since we were six. That’s so much more rewarding! You’re winning with people you’ve known for years. So apart from maybe those star players for an MLS academy, I say play high school.”
Fall in Love with Your Schedule
Just before chatting with me, Marcus was interviewed on a podcast in which he talked about how important it was to embrace his schedule. He said he wakes every day at the same time, eats, goes to school, then comes home, does his homework, goes to the gym, and then to practice. He talked about how boring that repetition must sound and how some people think he’s missing out by not going to parties, but that he embraces it because he loves soccer so much and knows these are the sacrifices he needs to make to get him where he wants to be.
I really want to thank Marcus for taking the time to chat with me, and I also congratulate him on his success and wish him only the best in the future. As a fellow West Orange student, I am truly inspired by his drive and what he has achieved, and I know I am not the only one who looks to him … and not just because he is 6 foot 3!
