In a heartwarming event that captured the spirit of the Make-A-Wish program, Miles Smith, a young boy from DeSoto, Kansas, was granted his wish to sign with Sporting Kansas City.
On Thursday, October 3, he fulfilled his dream of becoming a professional soccer player. This achievement brought joy not only to him but to everyone involved in the team and community.
Miles, who faces some health challenges, has never let his condition stop him from pursuing his passion for soccer. On Thursday, Miles got to join the team at training, but watching the team train only made Miles want to join in more. Miles picked up a soccer ball and began to dribble and kick the ball around, eagerly awaiting his time to meet the team.
Described as lively, engaging, and fiercely loyal, Miles is known for his inquisitive nature, always eager to learn and connect with those around him. His infectious enthusiasm was evident when he exclaimed, “I’m so happy!” and “I’m just so excited!” during his time with the team.
Miles’s signing day was met with double the excitement as he celebrated his birthday that same day. His new teammates gathered around and sang Happy Birthday to him. Miles was filled with emotion, jumping and celebrating with his mother, Rachel, and younger sister, Penelope.
One by one, Miles made sure to talk to the entire team. Before the training started, Miles mentioned his affinity for the goalkeepers, and Tim Melia and John Pulskamp were also thrilled to meet their newest teammates. Melia and Pulskamp gifted Miles with gloves and boots, respectively, and Miles couldn’t wait to show them off to his mom. Miles’s excitement reached a new height when he met his team captain, Johnny Russell. Even his sister Penelope joined in on the excitement, cheering his name.
The moment he received his Sporting Kansas City kit, Miles leaped for joy, capturing the hearts of everyone present. His excitement reached new heights when he discovered he would have his own locker and go on a stadium tour after signing his contract.
Coach Peter Vermes introduced Miles to the media, where he officially signed his contract alongside team captain Johnny Russell. Miles beamed with pride as he posed for photos with them, embodying the joy of a dream realized.
During the stadium tour, Miles got to see his spot in the locker room, which is next to defender Dany Rosero. Miles shared that getting his gear and seeing the locker room were his favorite moments of the day.
The following Saturday, October 5, was a memorable day as Miles took part in the matchday festivities. The day started off when Miles walked in with Johnny Russell through the Budweiser Brew House during player arrivals. Miles and Johnny greeted fans with a smile ahead of the match.
Then, before kickoff, Miles visited the Sporting Kansas City locker room to wish the team good luck, and Miles did just that, going up to each player in the locker room.
One of the highlights of the match for Miles was participating in the coin toss. As he stood next to his Captain, Miles flipped the coin, and Sporting got to choose which side to start on. From there, Miles joined the rest of his teammates and proudly stood in the starting 11 photo, a memory he will cherish for a lifetime.
Miles Smith left an impact on the Sporting KC team, staff, and supporters. His infectious joy and love for soccer remind us of what this sport is about. Miles will go down as one of Sporting’s most memorable signings.