Scott Godden: From England to “On The Banks”
Nov 11 | Men's Soccer
Ever since he could walk, Scott Godden has lived and breathed soccer.
Born and raised in Leeds, England, it's no surprise that Godden fell in love with his nation's most popular and beloved sport.
"My dad coached a local youth team when I was little," Godden said. "I used to go and watch him coach my older brother, and I always had a ball at my feet while watching the game."
In fact, he was so into the game that he explained, "my mom always said I wasn't happy if I didn't have a ball at my feet."
Growing up in Leeds, he immediately understood how much the sport meant to the area around him. Coming from a family of Leeds United fans, Godden joined their academy at age 5. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a mainstay in their youth system. However, soccer wasn't the only thing at the forefront of his mind. A high-level cricket and rugby player in his county, Scott had a decision to make. But in the end, it turned out the answer was simple.
"I knew from a young age soccer was my sport, since I enjoyed it more than other sports I played," Godden stated.
As he rose further through the ranks at Leeds United, he eventually got the opportunity to train with the first team under legendary manager, Marcelo Bielsa, who Godden described as "a God in Leeds."
It wasn't always easy, though. At the end of 2023, Scott's contract was coming to end. He had a tough choice to make, stay and fight for his place at Leeds or part ways with the team he loved to take a different opportunity.
"I was doing well at Leeds and wanted to break into the first team and become a pro, but I figured at the age of 19, it was the best decision to pursue an education and still play at a high level," said Godden.
But where does one go and what does one do after leaving their dream club? For Godden, the answer was to take a shot at the American collegiate system.
"My parents were influential in my decision," he explained. "My brother had gone to Bridgeport University and played there, and when I went to visit a few times the idea of playing in the US really intrigued me."
But how does a kid from Leeds, England, end up "On the Banks?" It was all about social media.
"My dad helped me post my film and Rutgers discovered it and reached out" Godden said. "I absolutely loved the facilities and how advanced they were. I spoke to coach McElderry in London and the rest is history. I really appreciated the interest from Rutgers and fell in love with it."
Coming from England, to the hustle and bustle of Piscataway, Godden knew he had a difficult transition ahead of him.
"I've been here for two months," said Godden. "It's a different culture but I love it so far, and my teammates have really helped.The early season start helped with the transition, but the hot weather in the summer was an adjustment.
Forgetting the culture difference - and brutally hot August weather - being a student athlete isn't exactly a piece of cake either. When Godden arrived, he knew the challenges that lay ahead were daunting but was up for the new adventure.
Getting into a rhythm is important, even if it means getting work done on the bus or in the team hotel," Godden said.
Despite all the adjustments life has thrown at him, Godden has taken them all in stride and is flourishing at Rutgers. As a freshman, he played in all 16 contests he was available and made 15 starts. In addition, he notched an assist in the season opener and served as an important figure on the backline for the Scarlet Knights all season long. But this is, as Scott hopes, just the beginning of his soccer journey.
"I want to get my degree and get a job, my dad owns a business and I would gladly work for him, but for now the main goal and dream is to go pro. I would definitely be open to MLS or moving back home."
