Parent Interview - The Aziabor Twins Soccer Story

This summer, Seacoast United soccer and hockey teams came on a Nike Soccer tour to England. In a post adapted from their own blog, we hear about two of their most inspiring soccer players and speak to their parents about their unique achievements, challenges and experiences.

Kris and Jay are twin brothers. They play their soccer for Seacoast United Storm, which is based out of Hampstead, New Hampshire. You can always spot the boys whenever you are at the training ground or a game because they are usually the ones with the biggest smiles on their faces. The boys love their soccer and they are good at it too. They might not be the next Cristiano Ronaldo and that is perfectly fine, their impact can still be felt thanks to their positivity and good nature. So what makes these boys so special out of the hundreds of Seacoast United players that pull on their uniform every Saturday or Sunday? Kris and Jay both have Type One Diabetes. Although it is not a debilitating condition, it can still have a profound effect on the individual and especially if they are actively involved in sport.

Diabetes certainly doesn't keep them from pursuing what they love and that was clearly evident this summer when they hopped on a plane and headed off to England for two weeks on a Nike soccer tour with Seacoast United. The players had the opportunity to train with professional coaches from Brighton and Hove Albion Soccer Schools, enjoy multiple excursions to London and take in a couple of Premier League matches. This was a once in a lifetime opportunity that Kris and Jay's parents didn't want them to miss. We sat down with their parents to find out more about the boys and find out why they wanted them to go on this special trip.

1) Thank you very much for letting us do this special feature on your sons. They have been such a joy this summer and their infectious attitude towards life can be felt by everyone. Where does this come from?

We would like to believe we have had a role in that, but in truth, they have always been positive and happy boys, always enthusiastic about all they do.

2) It is clear to see that the boys have a special bond with one another. Without pointing out the obvious (fraternal twins), what is it that links them both together so closely?

An innate sense of each feeling responsible for the other, a healthy competitive spirit, a shared interest in many things, including soccer although there's frequent banter about the Primier League clubs they support, Arsenal for Kris and Manchester United for Jay.

3) What is it about soccer that the boys enjoy so much?

Soccer has been a great bonding experience with Dad who has an intense love for the beautiful game. They have been around it all their lives, watching, discussing and playing soccer. They love talking about the technical aspects of the game and discussing players.

4) We had mentioned early on that Kris and Jay were both diagnosed with Type One Diabetes. For those who are unaware of this disease, what effect does this have on the body?

Diabetes type 1 is a disease which leads to destruction of insulin producing cells in the pancreas.  Insulin is essential for life and for regulating blood glucose levels. Without insulin, their blood glucose levels can increase to dangerous levels and can cause several complications. Treatment of this disease involves injecting insulin several times a day. Certain activities including sports can lead to low blood sugars which can be dangerous and so frequent monitoring of blood sugar levels is important in managing this disease.

5) You would never guess that the boys suffered from this condition. Why do you think they push through it and never use it as an excuse? 

Our family quickly accepted this diagnosis as a manageable condition and tried to make life as normal for them as possible. They were given the tools needed to manage this themselves within days of their diagnosis. For both boys, it's been a challenge they are constantly working on, but has never held them back from doing anything; including playing the sport they love

6) Obviously this was a big trip for them to go on given that they are in another country and far away from home. Why do you think it was important for them to go on this trip?

We could not pass on all this trip had to offer - a trip abroad with friends, an opportunity to watch and play soccer, watch Premier League matches, etc. These experiences teach kids self-reliance, and help develop problem solving skills. They will always have fond memories of this trip.

 7) What experience do you think they have taken away the most from this trip?

They have loved every minute of it. Being away from home in a new country, being exposed to a different culture, playing soccer almost daily. They have had to handle several challenging situations by themselves including managing diabetes and have become even more confident in their abilities than they were previously.

8) Kris and Jay are a real inspiration to anyone out there that is experiencing health problems and feel like they can't go out and do something. What would be your message to them?

Life throws everyone curve balls, some more difficult than others. We have always encouraged the boys to make the most of each day and deal with challenges as best as they can. So believe that you have what it takes to get through today and go after your goals, one day at a time.

Thank you to Seacoast United for sharing this story with us