Get To know Under-18s goalkeeper, Alex Borto. The American has become a regular under Steve Wigley and recently turned pro.
DOB: 06.11.2003
Place of birth: New Jersey, USA
Position: Goalkeeper
Height: 188cm
Weight: 80kg
Boots: Adidas
After signing a scholarship deal in the summer, are you enjoying playing at Under-18s level?
I like it a lot. In America, the level wasn’t as high as it is in England so moving over here and going up a few levels meant I had to adapt to it. I enjoy it so much and playing and training every day really is a dream come true.
How did you find the move over to England, on and off the pitch?
It was pretty hard at first but everyone at Fulham was amazing and so friendly, so it was quite easy to adapt and make friends. The staff and my teammates definitely made it a lot easier.
Did you always want to be a goalkeeper growing up?
I actually started off playing as a striker for my local team in my town. One day the ‘keeper got injured so I went in goal and did well. I also really enjoyed it and after that I started training more and paying for goalkeeping lessons. After that, I became a full-time goalkeeper.
I often used to play one half in goal and one half up front. Some days I’d keep a clean sheet and then score a goal or two in the second half!
You recently signed your first professional deal, how special was that for you?
It was a really special moment for myself and my family because I’d worked all my life for that moment. I feel like the saying ‘hard work pays off’ is definitely true in my case, so I couldn’t be happier to sign that contract.
What advice would you give to any young aspiring goalkeepers?
I know it’s corny and a bit cliché but just work hard. If you work hard, I really think your dreams will come true. If you’re determined and ambitious, the sky’s the limit.
How good did it feel to be crowned Under-18 Premier League South Champions?
It was so amazing. The boys have worked so hard on and off the pitch to achieve this, so to be crowned champions on Saturday was a really special moment for myself, the boys and the staff.
Everybody played a role, everybody was a part of it. It wasn't just the 11 on the pitch, it was the boys who came to support, the coaches, analysts, physios etc.
I'm sure everybody had the same feeling of greatness.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I like to watch Netflix and I really enjoy playing chess, whether it's online or with a friend in person. I don't really play too many video games, but I'm currently watching 'The Queen's Gambit', which ironically is about chess!
Quickfire Questions:
Favourite TV Programme: All American
Footballing Hero: Lionel Messi
Favourite Other Sport: Basketball
Favourite Food: Pizza
Favourite Musician: J. Cole
Personal Ambition: To win the World Cup with USA
Huw Jennings, Academy Director:
“Alex has made a good start to his time at Fulham. He is a calm presence between the sticks and has established himself as the number one Under-18s goalkeeper in spite of moving away from home, self-isolating on arrival and living in another country during a pandemic.”
