MADISON – Andrew Ridenour likes the sport of soccer so much that he has played every season since he was in kindergarten.

“I play American Youth Soccer Organization or AYSO soccer in Region 498,” Andrew said. “I play goalie and mid-fielder. This is my seventh year, playing all three seasons a year (in) soccer with AYSO.”

Soccer is more than just a game to Andrew. “I enjoy the joy of competition, the joy of teamwork and just being able to play and have fun,” Andrew said.

Andrew is a sixth-grader at Mill Creek Elementary School. “I enjoy being in the enrichment program at Mill Creek Elementary. I enjoy science and mathematics and working on experiments,” he said.

“I am involved in our young youth group at Madison Church of Christ, and I also help with service opportunities there,” Andrew said.

Andrew’s brother Wesley is a freshman at James Clemens High School. Their parents are Bryan and Gina Ridenour. Bryan is a medically retired paramedic, substitute teacher for Madison City Schools and Deacon for Fellowship and Kitchen Ministries at Madison Church of Christ. Gina works as an accountant at Synapse Wireless.

The Ridenours moved to Madison in 1997. Both parents thought the school system was one of the best in the county, and they enjoyed the small community feeling.

Q & A

Q: What is your favorite restaurant?

A: For Andrew, it’s a toss-up between Panda Express and Fulin’s Asian Cuisine.

Q: What’s your favorite food?

A: Oriental food.

Q: What is your favorite sports team?

A: Alabama Crimson Tide Football is the favorite team for Andrew.

Q: What’s your favorite sports memory?

A: “When my soccer team scored 11 goals in one game!” Andrew said.

Q: What do you like to do in your free time?

A: “I enjoy spending time with my friends, playing board games with my family, playing computer games, swimming and creating structures with different types of building items,” Andrew said.