This is the most inspirational story I have seen/heard in a long time and it is brilliantly portrayed. Back in February I broke both my tibia and fibula playing soccer for an adult league which effectively ended my playing career. Coaching recreation soccer was a way to get back into the game that I loved and I had come to the conclusion that the days of competitive soccer are over. I received the movie as a Christmas present and have watched it a total of 5 times in six days. It is that good.Because of this story I have decided to follow my dream of coaching and are taking the steps necessary to achieve this goal. It is because of "Rise & Shine: The Jay DeMerit Story" that I have decided to make that leap.It gets better after every viewing and I find myself wanting to watch it. The music is brilliantly done. The narration is perfect. The interviews are great. The story is phenomenal. This is not a soccer movie, but an inspirational documentary with a soccer backdrop. It does not take a soccer player or fan to enjoy this story, or understand the message of never giving up on your dreams. It is as inspiring the first time as it is the fifth time and it will inspire anyone from age 10 to 110. Very well done and told perfectly.

This is the true story of an American kid that pursued his dream against all odds, and triumphed.The back story of this movie is that if it had not been for hundreds of soccer fans and friends of Jay - this movie would probably never have been produced. Over 1500 individuals donated over $223,000.00 in amounts ranging from $1 donations to $10,000 to ensure that this movie production was completed and distributed.You don't have to be a soccer enthusiast to see this movie - it is a story about perseverance and belief. The story is distinctly American.

This movie shows everybody that anything is possible, if you just don't give up! The easiest thing to do is quit and Jay shows us that QUIT is not in his vocabulary. I saw Jay play against Arsenal and was lucky enough to read his story before that match, I was happy to hear it was being made into a documentary! A must see for not just soccer fans but any athlete that has dreams of going Pro. I was upset that not more people saw the advance screening at Stony Brook. The movie was well shot and had a great story line from his high school days all the way up to now. The movie has great stills from the EPL as well as great footage of his days in the Championship level for Watford. A true Must see.

Rise and Shine The Jay DeMerit, at first glance, might seem like just another feel good sports movie. Good guy works hard and wins the big trophy in the end, but this movie is far from that version. This is the true life story of a young American soccer player with a big dream in his heart and a mountain of obstacles in his path.Born and raised in the heart of football country and struggling to find a way into the the American professional leagues, Jay chose to do the unimaginable. He headed to Europe with hardly any money, but with pure determination to make his dream come true. From the lowest version of league play he worked, trained and believed his day would eventually come. Hearing about his journey and seeing where it leads is something even the youngest viewer will find inspiration in. Anyone who has ever had to fight against the odds will be able to relate to this movie. You'll leave feeling like anything is possible and I promise you that you will walk out of the theater with a smile of your face and new strength in your heart!