Story by Jeff Moeller, correspondent

Arriving in Richmond Hill from England two years ago, Harry and Archie Fell discovered that high school soccer一or football一in America could be just as challenging as it was in their native country.

On and off the field, though, the Fell brothers have found a new home in Richmond Hill where they can mature and excel. 

“The level of soccer here was different but definitely presented me with new challenges which was good for my continued development in the sport,” said Harry, a senior. 

“Adjusting to school was hard, but with the football, it was easy. I fit right in and enjoyed it straight away.”

“The level of soccer here is very high and I feel like I have improved a lot since moving,” added Archie, who is a sophomore. “The first year being in America was definitely hard as I had to make new friends, join a new team and basically start a new life. But as time went on I met a great group of friends and have settled in very well.”

The Fells have played an integral part of the Wildcats’ success in the early going, as they had an overall 5-3 record and a 3-1 record in region play to begin the week. Harry, a forward, had six goals and eight assists, and Archie, a midfielder, had two goals and two assists.

Head coach Stephen Henderson has been extremely pleased with their level of play and their steady contributions. 

“Both are quick, dynamic team-centric players that shoot, move, and communicate dangerously on the pitch,” said Henderson. “Their energy and intensity improves everyone around them.”

Through having two daughters that play on the girls’ varsity soccer team, Henderson is already familiar with sibling dynamics on the pitch.

“There is a natural chemistry that siblings have that cannot be created anywhere,” explained Henderson.  “I see it in my daughters who play on the girls’ varsity team.  They balance each other on the pitch during a game. 

“Archie will always be the first to celebrate his brother and the same for Harry.  There was one game where Archie scored first, and, not to be outplayed by his brother Harry, scored within the next minute.”

Both brothers began playing soccer at the age of five in Hertfordshire and later in Shefford, which is in Bedfordshire.

Harry stated that he started playing through his parents’ encouragement for a local team on the weekends. A few years later, Harry’s level of play increased, and he was scouted for a professional club with whom he played until the family’s move here.

Archie recalled playing for the Shefford Saints in his early youth, and he began playing after his brother started.

Making the move to the States for their family’s job, the Fells quickly realized they had found a new home. This year, Harry has relished every moment of his role in his final season.  

“We chose Richmond Hill because of the great weather and also the impressive high school,” said Harry.  “This year, playing high school soccer has increased my enjoyment even more as I feel like I’m part of a family and an amazing team.”

It’s easy to see how a tight bond between the two has developed. They both respect and bounce off each other.

“As a senior in the team I try to push others around me both on and off the field,” said Harry. “Especially as I play with my younger brother, which is an amazing experience. Part of my enjoyment has come from playing with him and watching him develop and perform, and of course celebrating with him among the rest of the team.”

The younger Fell also has discovered his role on the team.

“I feel like my role on the team is to control the tempo of the game,” said Archie. “I know I have to be aggressive when tackling and try to find dangerous spaces to either pass the ball or dribble into.”

He shares similar feelings with his older brother about playing with a sibling. 

“Playing with my brother in this team has been amazing,” said Archie. “He always makes me want to better myself and be like him on the pitch. After we beat back-to-back state champs River Ridge, I remember him coming up to me and saying how well I had played. It felt great to hear that coming from him.”

Still, the Fells plan to make the most of their opportunities ahead. They both have found a new comfort zone in which they can flourish as players and young men.

“Overall, moving to the U.S and continuing my development as a player and a person has been incredible for both me and my brother with a great group of boys,” said Harry. “We look forward to the rest of the season ahead.