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Jacob Winters of Mocksville celebrated winning with his team the ECNL Southeast Regional soccer title for his age group.

Jacob will be traveling to California for ECNL National playoffs with hopes of winning the title.

Jacob’s soccer journey started when he was 4 years old and began to play recreational soccer. He then progressed to playing at the developmental academy by age 12.

His family feared his journey was over when he was 13 and was admitted to Brenner’s Children’s Hospital with a serious illness. Jacob’s parents were told he might not survive the night.

But Jacob and his perseverance not only survived, but made a complete recovery. Unfortunately, Jacob was cut from his local club soccer team during his recovery.

Instead of being defeated, Jacob’s positive attitude was that God must be leading him in another direction. Jacob was moved by the kindness of strangers during his hospital stay and decided to give back when he recovered.

Jacob has provided over more than hours of volunteer service to the SECU House, which provides housing and meals to families and patients who have traveled long distances to this area to receive medical care.

Jacob is spending the week of June 26 at the SECU House learning how to run a not for profit organization.

Jacob decided to try out for an ECNL soccer team at Charlotte Soccer Association. His acceptance to the Boys 2006 ECNL team rekindled his passion for soccer.

Jacob also plays for Calvary Day School where the varsity team earned the State Title this year.

Jacob hopes to raise money to ensure that his entire team can travel to California together and compete for the national title. His team has created a GoFundMe page, https://gofund.me/4ee6030b.