After joining New England Surf at just 12 years old, Michael Clark has spent years growing alongside the club. Now, his commitment to Bentley University marks an exciting new chapter in a journey built on trust, consistency, and long-term development.

When Michael Clark joined the club in seventh grade, the world was navigating COVID-19. Soccer meant playing in masks, matches without throw-ins, and uncertainty around training and competitions.

But even under those unusual circumstances, Michael found something that would keep him at New England Surf for years to come: a competitive environment, coaches who genuinely cared, and teammates who would become lifelong friends.

“I was just so grateful to be playing club soccer again, especially at a club like Surf,” he recalls.

From those early days to his recent commitment to Bentley University, Michael has remained part of New England Surf, developing through multiple seasons, different teams, new challenges, and the club’s continued growth.

His journey is a reminder of what can happen when a player finds the right environment and continues to invest in it.

Growing Together, Season After Season

For Michael, staying at the club was never simply about wins, rankings, or exposure. It was about the relationships he built and the opportunities he had to keep challenging himself.

“Outside of the wins and losses, and the soccer field altogether, I value relationships and loyalty,” he explains. “I understand getting exposure and playing at the highest level possible, but Surf cared about me as a person and a player.”

Throughout his years at the club, Michael played entire seasons in every outfield position, developing a deeper understanding of the game and learning to contribute in different ways.

Rather than being defined by a single role, he was encouraged to explore his abilities, participate in tactical conversations, and take ownership of his development.

“I was never limited by results and expectations, but just pushed to be my best.”

That environment also gave him the consistency of training and competing alongside teammates he’d known for years, building friendships that extended far beyond the field.

“Every time I came to the field, I was pushed and enjoyed it,” he says.

The Challenges That Shaped Him

Michael’s development wasn’t without setbacks. During his second season at Surf, an injury kept him out for the entire spring, forcing him to navigate time away from the sport and eventually earn his place back in the starting lineup.

He also had to learn to manage frustration and prevent mistakes from affecting his performances.

One lesson has stayed with Michael since his early years at Surf, when he joined the 2007 team for Regionals.

He recalls a piece of advice from Tommaso, New England Surf’s COO, that would continue to influence his approach to the game.

“To be a good player, you cannot whine and complain. You must come up with solutions and be confident.”

Years later, that message still resonates. Michael now considers his mental resilience one of his greatest achievements, having learned to respond to setbacks with confidence rather than frustration.

And while the competitive experiences have been important, some of his favorite memories are the simplest ones, especially traveling to tournaments like MLS NEXT Fest alongside friends he’d played with for years.

“You remember some results and goals, but the stuff that will always stick with you is the conversations and experiences you had with friends.”

From New England Surf to Bentley University

After years of dedication, development, and competitive soccer, Michael is now preparing to take the next step at Bentley University.

He explored several college options before recognizing Bentley as the right fit, drawn to its strong academics, competitive soccer program, athletic facilities, and close-knit community.

It’s an environment that reflects many of the things he’s valued throughout his time at Surf: meaningful relationships, high expectations, and opportunities to grow.

“Bentley really was the school for me,” he says.

His college commitment is an exciting milestone, but Michael knows his next challenge is only beginning.

“I’m excited to have to earn a spot again and prove myself on a team.”

For younger Surf players hoping to follow a similar path, his advice is simple:

“Don’t compare yourself to other players.”

Michael remembers watching other players receive opportunities or announce commitments while he was still working toward his own.

“Instead of comparing myself to them, I worked harder to make those chances for myself and create a pathway for myself.”

Michael’s story is a special one for New England Surf. He has been part of the club since its early years, growing through different stages of his soccer journey while continuing to believe in the environment and people around him.

Now, as he prepares to represent Bentley University, he takes with him far more than years of training and competition. He carries the friendships, lessons, and experiences that helped shape the player and person he has become.

Congratulations, Michael! The Surf Nation is proud to have been part of your journey, and we can’t wait to follow your next chapter.