From PDL to EPL: Anton Peterlin signs with Everton Football Club

Ok, so maybe this is one of those true rare Cinderalla stories. Anton Peterlin spent his last season playing in the top flight of – brace for it – US Amateur football!

Yes, I said amateur. Peterlin spent his pitch time for the Ventura County Fusion in southern California. Fusion play in the PDL’s Southwest division and for those still learning about the layers of football in America, the Premier Development League is the nation’s 4th tier of soccer, behind MLS, USL Div 1, and USL Div 2.

In other words, Peterlin was a college kid playing amateur ball a few weeks ago and now, he’ll be training alongside the likes of Arteta, Wolcott, Jagielka, Cahill, and our own Tim Howard.

The interesting thing to me about this move is that it proves that there is no pecking order you have to climb. If you’re showing the skill and have the right coaching (preferably connected coaching), then in football you can leap frog right in to potential stardom. Of course, just because you sign with Everton doesn’t mean you’ll be starting at Goodison Park come August, but nonetheless, you’ll be a helluva lot closer than the rest of us!

By the way, if any EPL sides are looking to sign a 37 year old midfielder, my men’s amateur team plays on Sunday nights in Kennesaw.

Here’s to keeping the dream alive!