Emley AFC has added an experienced, energetic and ambitious box to box midfielder to its squad this season. Kurtis Turner arrived at the club having already enjoyed a varied and eye opening football journey.

From academy football in England to Division One college football in the United States, Turner believes every step has shaped him into the player and person he is today. He said: “I started playing football when I was about seven years old, just playing locally. From a really young age it was always something I loved doing and something I wanted to pursue.”

That passion was recognised early, with Turner joining Sheffield United’s academy at under eight level before later spells at Handsworth and Barnsley: “I got picked up by Sheffield United at under eight level, which at that age felt massive. I spent a couple of years there before being released, which was tough at the time, but it’s just part of football. After that I went to Handsworth for a few years and it was there that I was eventually picked up by Barnsley. I joined Barnsley’s academy around the age of 13 or 14, got a scholarship there and stayed until I was 18. Unfortunately, I didn’t manage to get a professional contract, so I had to look at what came next.”

After playing in Mansfield Town’s reserves, Turner faced a pivotal decision, one that would take him far beyond the non league circuit: “I got to a stage where I had a real decision to make. I’d done quite well at school, so it was a case of whether I was going to go and get a degree or keep pushing with football. The opportunity in America allowed me to do both, which was ideal. So I went over on a football scholarship to the University of South Carolina for four years, and honestly, it was brilliant. I absolutely loved it out there.”

The experience proved transformational, both on and off the pitch. “Going away from home was massive for me,” Turner said. “I’d advocate it to anyone because it really does make you grow up and become a man. You’re on your own, you have to look after yourself, and you learn so much about life, not just football. In terms of my personal development, it was huge. If my son or daughter ever wanted to do something like that, I’d push them to go. As hard as it would be, I know it would allow them to find themselves and stand them in good stead for their future.”

Turner also believes the standard of football in the United States is often underestimated.
“The football in America is very different,” he explained. “The athleticism over there is absolutely crazy. There’s such a big focus on being fit, fast and strong because of sports like American football. Technically, I think people sometimes underestimate it. I was playing Division One football, which is the top level, and from a technical perspective I don’t think it’s as far off as people think. You also had teams with lots of Mexican players who were unbelievable technical, so it was a real mix.”

Returning home with a degree in hand, Turner chose to balance work alongside football, continuing his non league career with Stocksbridge Park Steels, where he enjoyed a successful four year spell: “Stocksbridge was really local for me, which helped, and I ended up spending four years there,” he said. “We achieved promotion, which was honestly an unbelievable achievement. If you weren’t part of that club, you probably wouldn’t realise how big it was.”

A new challenge soon beckoned, and Emley AFC quickly stood out: “I felt like I needed a new challenge,” Turner said. “I’d played against Emley quite a few times the previous season and when we came here with Stocksbridge, they completely dominated us. I remember coming away from that game thinking how strong the squad was, what a great club it was and how good the atmosphere was, especially in the clubhouse after the game. From that day I thought, ‘This is a really good place to be.’”

Those impressions were only reinforced once discussions about a move began: “One of the biggest things that attracted me to Emley was the ambition,” he explained. “From the very first meeting with the chairman, Marcus Pound, it was clear that the club wants to keep moving forward and progressing. My personal goal is to help get us promoted. That’s what we’re all pushing towards and that ambition is a massive reason why I signed.”

Since arriving, Turner has settled quickly into the squad and the wider club environment: “The setup here is so professional, from the management staff to the players and everyone around the club,” he said. “Everyone has been incredibly welcoming, which is massive when you come in part way through a season. I’ve settled really well and I think we’re in a really good place to stay competitive.”

Drawing on his promotion experience, Turner is clear about the mindset needed to succeed: “From my experience of getting promoted, it’s about focusing on each game and not getting distracted by the league table or what other teams are doing,” he said. “We’ve got quality in the squad, but it’s about grinding out results when things aren’t going well and staying focused. There are no egos here at all. Everyone works hard and pulls in the same direction.”

On the pitch, Turner describes himself as an energetic, all action midfielder: “I’d describe myself as a box-to-box midfielder,” he said. “One of my biggest qualities is the energy I bring to the team. I give everything, I’m happy to get stuck in and I like to be all action. I’m comfortable on the ball and I’d say I’m a bit of an all rounder. Growing up, Steven Gerrard was always my idol, I just need to score more goals.”

Finally, Turner paid tribute to the supporters who have helped make Emley feel like home: “The fans have been unbelievable since day one,” he said. “The atmosphere they create makes such a difference on the pitch and it really does give you that extra lift. It’s mad when you think Emley is such a small village, but that strong community feel is exactly what makes the club special. It really is a family club, and that’s exactly what I wanted.”