A native of Buckhurst Hill, England, goalkeeper Michael Eade recently became the first player to sign with Worcester Hydra.

Eade played for Park University in Parkville, MO where he was named the Midlands Collegiate Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year in 2008. Before his career at Park, Eade played with two professional clubs in England, Tottenham Hotspur Academy and Luton Town FC Youth Training Scheme.

Seeing as Michael is the first player in franchise history, we wanted to give fans a chance to get to know him on personal level. The following is a question and answer session we recently conducted with him.

Q: What does it feel like to be the first signed player in Worcester Hydra history?

A: It is a fantastic feeling to be part of the history of Worcester Hydra. I have heard great things about the vision of the club and to be be the first signed player in the team’s history is really something special.

Q: What are you looking forward to most in the upcoming 2012 PDL season?

A: I am looking forward to practicing with the team and the competitive nature that will come with that. I am also looking forward to the opportunity to play some very good teams in the Northeast division.

Q: What are the differences in playing in England vs. playing in the United States?

A: I would say the main difference between playing in England and the United States is the number of people who play the game. In England, everyone has played the game at some point–it’s basically part of the lifestyle. In the United States you have more options to play other sports but soccer continues to grow and become more and more popular.

Q: In your opinion, what makes a great goalkeeper?

A: I believe a good goalkeeper is very consistent and makes any given situation look as simple as possible. By having a solid technique. I believe you can use your footwork and other attributes to make certain scenarios look simple.

Q: Do you have any pre-game superstitions or routines?

A: I don’t really have any superstitions but I do like to have a good warm-up before I play to make sure I am ready and feeling good.

Q: What has been the most memorable moment of your career?

A: This is a very good question. I would probably say the opportunity to train alongside world class goalkeepers like Kasey Keller and Neil Sullivan. I was a young goalkeeper at the time and it was during the half term break at school. I was told to go and train up top with Hans Segers who was the goalkeeping coach at the time. Keller and Sullivan were both goalkeepers I would watch on TV and to train alongside them was an unforgettable experience.

Q: Who was your favorite professional player while growing up?

A: I used to really like David Seaman. He played in goal for Arsenal and England. I use to want to be just like him and would watch him on TV and then try and emulate him in my back garden or local park.

Q: Do you follow specific professional clubs?

A: I follow Arsenal in the English Premier League. I have supported them my whole life and I follow them through thick and thin. At the moment, this season is not one of our greatest. I watch them when I can on Fox Soccer Channel or ESPN. When I can’t get to the TV, I try to follow the live stats online.

Q: Do you have any hobbies?

A: I really enjoy playing golf when I get the chance. I also enjoy playing tennis but I play for fun as I can’t say I am too great at either so they are both really just hobbies.

Q: What kind of music do you listen to?

A: I listen to a wide variety of music. It really depends on my mood. I’m currently a fan of Nicki Minaj as she seems to be in most of the new songs. Before a game I like to listen to something really up beat.