by Sara Carver

What Matthew Gilroy likes most about soccer is the fact that he doesn't have to run much. For the last six years, Gilroy has played goal keeper for the Cyclones, a Greater Lewisville Soccer Association Team.

The 10-year old accepts that his job on the team is important, but not always celebrated. Many of the players and parents agree, in the under-10 age group, goalies don't always get the recognition that other players do. But that's not always the case with Matthew.

With his diving saves, and no-fear attitude, Gilroy frequently catches the attention of everyone watching.

Gilroy's mother Ginny believes her son's style of play is both dynamic and silently confident.

"He's quiet, but very agressive. He's not afraid to dive for the ball," she said. "He gets the stands going."

Matthew agrees. He has had staples in his head and stitches in his forehead, chin and finger. But that has never slowed him down. He continues to play even when he is injured. He knows his role on the team is important and doesn't want to let his friends down.

"I keep everyone calm because I don't get nervous," Gilroy said. "I like to get out there and have fun...not worry about whether we win or lose."

The Cyclones have an impressive record for a team not worried about losing. Last season they were undefeated, and this year they came in second.

Gilroy describes his team as "a bunch of friends, but also good players." He recognizes that he has learned much about sportsmanship and being a team player.

"He's always in the goal screaming down the field or waving a hand of congratulations to his buddies at the other end," Ginny Gilroy said.

Although the Cyclones practice two hours a week, Gilroy enjoys having his parents kick the ball to him in the backyard at home. His parents, Ginny and Tim, were both active in sports while in school. Ginny was a pitcher, while Tim played a variety of sports. Matthew appreciates their knowledge of team sports and credits his father as his role model. "My dad has taught me a lot and he's fun," Matthew said.

Matthew has two sisters. His older sister Megan, 11, also plays soccer. Katie is only 3-years-old, and doesn't participate in sports yet, Gilroy explained.

A fourth-grade student at Parkway Elementary, Gilroy earns straight A's. He also plays baseball and basketball, but says soccer is his first choice.

"I've done soccer longer," he explained. "There is a lot of action. I don't want to give it up."

Gilroy's career with the Cyclones is coming to an end, but he doesn't plan on leaving the sport. He will be too old to play for the Under-10 team next year, but has hopes of making a select team.