PEABODY — Playing professional soccer has always been Ben Manoogian’s lifelong dream. This summer, Manoogian turned that dream into a reality. The Peabody native and former Tanners soccer star landed a professional opportunity with Grythyttans IF, a Division 3 club in Sweden.
“I attended and did pretty well at a pro combine in Toronto with SoccerViza,” Manoogian, who played college soccer at Division III Connecticut College after graduating from Peabody High in 2015, said. “The management there was able to set me up with this opportunity to play abroad. I jumped at the opportunity as soon as it came up. It happened pretty quickly but I’m excited and grateful for this opportunity. I was very excited as it has always been a dream of mine to play soccer at the next level.”
Manoogian landed in Sweden last month. Since then, it’s been all about adjusting to his new surroundings.
“The time change unfortunately is pretty tough but I’m getting used to it and my body’s finally getting adjusted,” Manoogian, 22, said. “It’s what I expected to a certain extent. I’m living in a pretty remote town with only about 1000 people living here so getting used to only one grocery store and a handful of restaurants is different than what I’m used to back home. It has been a smooth transition though and the guys on the team are great.”
He’s also catching up to the pace of play on the professional pitch.
“The game is a little bit quicker and a little more physical,” Manoogian said. “Every team we’ve played so far has been extremely organized defensively, so being able to read the game in a tactical way has been the biggest jump. There are also full grown men on the field now, whereas before the age range was only 18-22 (years old) playing in college, so the physicality is higher.”
While overseas, Manoogian has done his best to keep in touch with relatives.
“I actually was able to get a Swedish SIM card so anyone with an iPhone I can be in touch with and if I have WIFI I can FaceTime my family and friends,” Manoogian said. “Social media has also been good for keeping in touch with people as I can catch up with anyone in a matter of minutes.”
Manoogian developed a competitive nature from an early age. His willingness to do whatever it takes to help his team win has always been a key to his success.
“Ever since I was a little kid, there’s been nothing I hate more than losing,” Manoogian said. “I feel as though my competitive edge is something that I can bring to any team and contribute in that way. In terms of my actual soccer game, I would say I am a pretty technical, but simple player who likes to play in one and two touch. I also pride myself on being the hardest worker for every practice and game.”
That’s exactly how Peabody High coach Stan McKeen remembers him.
“Ben’s an incredible kid, skill along with attitude,” McKeen said. “He’s one of the most positive players I ever had. He never got an injury until the first game of the state tournament his senior year. In the second tournament game we lost by a goal but he was going to play no matter what. He could score and distribute. He just did everything exceptionally well. Ben was just a great kid.”
Manoogian was a three-year varsity starter at center midfield for the Tanners. He scored 31 goals (seven game-winners) and dished 11 assists during his senior season, earning Northeastern Conference MVP honors in the process.
“I just knew Ben lived and breathed soccer,” McKeen said. “He and Luke Finkelstein, who went on to play overseas, were two of the same mold. Ben was just a smart kid on and off the field. He was an excellent student also. What he’s accomplished doesn’t surprise me.”
Manoogian finished his Peabody career with 53 goals and 30 assists.
“What I remember most about my days playing soccer at Peabody is the group of guys and friends that I made during my time there,” Manoogian said. “We were fortunate to have some really good teams while I was there which made it even more fun.”
For those who wish to pursue a professional soccer career, Manoogian’s journey serves as a blueprint. Manoogian said it’s important to trust the process, even if there are obstacles along the way.
“Give it your all if it’s truly something you’re passionate about,” Manoogian said. “Doing anything halfway won’t really get you anywhere. If it’s something that you really think you have a chance at, go all out for it and maintain a solid work ethic to achieve the goals you’ve set for yourself. There will also be bumps in the road. I attended a few combines before receiving any offer so don’t be discouraged if your first go at things doesn’t turn out the way you hoped. Stay the course and stay positive.”
