Sneakz is proud to introduce our first Sneakz Kid! Isaac Young is from Houston, Texas and he's 9-years-old. He has a twin brother, Elliot, and they both love soccer, basketball, and track. Last year, the Young brothers went to the Junior Olympics for the first time, and they are hoping to go back again this year.  

We recently sat down with Isaac to learn more about his favorite books, goals for the year ahead, and advice he'd give to adults. Here's what he shared with us: 

 

What’s your favorite sport? 

I think I’d pick soccer because we’ve been doing that since we were pretty young. Our coach is super nice, and we have a few friends there from school.

 

What position do you play in soccer?

I play center back, but my coach wants me to try something new, so sometimes he’ll make me a forward—but I’m still getting used to that.

 

What are some of the things you want to accomplish this year?

I want to win my soccer tournament. Our team has never been that good. When we won the most recent soccer tournament, it really helped us. So I’m excited to see what will happen if we can win again. I also want to go to the Junior Olympics for a second time. I’m confident about that one. We did it this year when we were only nine years old, so I think we can do it again when we’re 10-years-old.

 

What do you think you need to accomplish goals, and why do people give up?

I think people give up because they think they can’t do what they want to do. Or some people think it’s too hard, when really they just aren’t living at their potential. I’ve seen many people that no one really wants to help so they never reach their potential. It helps to have others helping you and a good friend by your side to encourage you and say you’re doing great.

What is your favorite meal?

I have a few things. When I go out, I like BLT sandwiches. When my mom makes something at home, I love when she makes arepas. Most of my friends don’t know what that is, though.

 

Do you have a favorite subject in school?

It’s probably reading because I’m really good at it.

 

What books do you like to read?

I’m kind of into Greek Mythology and fantasy. I like the book The Land of Stories, but I read most of the series. Then I paused on that and started reading the Harry Potter series—I’m already on the third book. I like the Greek mythology book called “The Trials of Apollo?” There is only one book out, but another one is coming out this year. The guy who writes those Greek mythology books is called Rick Riordan, and he’s SO good.

 

What’s one thing you want to work on?

Lots of times, I don’t think before I speak so I really want to work on that. My mom always tells me to think before I speak otherwise it can really hurt someone. To help someone be successful, you can’t hurt their feelings. You have to make someone trust you first.

 

What would you do if you had a weekend completely to yourself?

I’d probably do a lot. I love traveling. I don’t watch sports that much, and I’d probably take a break from playing sports for the weekend. I’d love to go to a basketball game—like, in the front row seats. And I’d take a trip further outside of Houston, but still in Texas.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

I’ve always loved traveling. I’d probably say Japan or Paris. Japan has really good culture. It’s somewhere I’ve never been, but have always really wanted to go. Paris has the Eiffel Tower and it’s where a lot of history is.

 

What do you want to be when you grow up?

Years ago, I thought about being a chef. But, now I’m not as sure. I love cooking and it’s kind of like art. My dad is good at making breakfast, so I always help him make eggs and pancakes.

 

How does food play a role with your athletics?

My mom really wants us to eat healthy. A lot of the kids in our school don’t eat that healthy, and it kind of makes me feel bad because they could eat healthier. I’m pretty skinny, so I still want to gain pounds—but I still want to eat healthy.

 

When you hear the word “success,” what do you think of?

It means a big achievement that you’ve made—something you’ve dreamed about doing, or something exciting and marvelous.

What’s the most exciting thing you’ve done so far?

So far, probably going to the Junior Olympics and traveling to China.

 

What are your wishes for the world?

Always have peace. Never fight. Always be different. Never stay with the group. Some people will criticize you, but it doesn’t matter. Just be bold, go and do it. Don’t be afraid—push yourself.

Also, a lot of the time, people will criticize you, but it’s just another thing you’ll hear. It doesn’t matter because you’re always going to be hearing criticism from someone else. What’s the point in listening to people when they say that? You can still have your truth and they can have their opinions.

 

What advice would you give to an adult?

I’d probably say when you’re feeling down, go to a friend you know and ask them for help. Instead of always working so hard, it’s okay to take a break.