Rising Goalkeeper Samuel Harvey Takes Next Step with Seattle Sounders FC
- NewslineTCI
- 17 minutes ago
- 3 min read
At just 16 years old, Samuel Harvey— who prefers to go simply as Sammy—is already living a football journey most young players only dream about.
In the span of 15 months, the international goalkeeper has gone from making a debut at age 14 to earning international headlines, Rookie of the Year honours, and now a place inside Major League Soccer’s elite youth development system with Seattle Sounders FC.
For Harvey, this latest step marks a turning point.
“Going to the Seattle Sounders is making me realize this is becoming less of a dream and more of a reality,” he said. “Being able to take that next step into what I want to do and excel in my career is a really big jump. But because of all the training and work I put in at SPIRE Academy with coaches Paul and Sean, and through the national program with Coach Aaron—who has been a huge inspiration—I feel ready for whatever challenge comes my way.”
Harvey first caught the football world’s attention in September 2024, when he made his senior international debut during the CONCACAF Nations League at just 14 years old. Despite his team suffering two defeats, the young goalkeeper stood out with fearless performances well beyond his years. The story quickly gained traction, drawing coverage from BBC and Sky Sports and placing Harvey on the radar of professional clubs across Europe and North America.
That same year, his rise continued with a trial at English Championship side Queens Park Rangers, followed by a move to SPIRE Academy in Ohio—one of the premier sports performance and education boarding schools in the United States. There, Harvey’s development accelerated. Competing at a high level with SPIRE academy, he earned 2024–25 Rookie of the Year honours while maintaining a 4.0 GPA in the classroom.
Over the next 7 months, Harvey continued to impress with Spire FC, earning trials with MLS clubs Nashville SC and Seattle Sounders FC. Ultimately, it was Seattle who made the call—inviting the young goalkeeper into their highly regarded academy system. Sounders FC talent recruiter David Lara cited Harvey’s athleticism, professionalism, and maturity as standout qualities that piqued their interest.
“It’s a feeling that I get when I feel it’s the right person, and from what I saw in Sammy it’s his hard work. Even in a short time he was able to get better every single day and showed his capacity for learning, and I know our team of goalkeeper coaches are going to continue to shape his game and make him a better goalkeeper.”
The move came as little surprise to Harvey’s mentor, Turks and Caicos Islands Football Association (TCIFA) national team head coach Aaron Lawrence, who identified Harvey’s potential early. “When I first saw Sammy I saw a prospective great goalkeeper…. his size, passion for the sport, and willingness to learn and adjust to whatever the situation stood out. I remember during the long COVID layoff, at 11 years old he was the most consistent keeper in the national programme. He is always present, always asking questions and wanting to do more, always putting the team first. That’s what it takes.”
Lawrence has consistently praised his leadership, work ethic, and mental strength—traits that have already seen Harvey entrusted with captaincy duties at the youth international level.
Having joined the Sounders in early January, Harvey who trains primarily with the U18 team, has already been called up for sessions with the second team. He
is set to rejoin the Turks and Caicos Islands U17 and U20 national teams as captain in February, leading his country into crucial CONCACAF qualifying matches.
Off the pitch, Harvey remains committed to his education. He will complete his 12th year through online learning and plans to pursue a degree in kinesiology with a focus on sports medicine.
Still only 16, Sammy Harvey’s journey is far from complete—but with international experience, elite development, and an unshakable belief in his path, he is quickly proving that his rise is no coincidence. For one of the region’s brightest young talents, the future is no longer distant—it’s unfolding right now.