NPSL Alum Gurr Reaches Atlanta United First Team in Second Home

Newcastle native spent two years with Georgia Revolution FC

By Jeff Helfrich/NPSL.com

During his first two years in college with Georgia Gwinnett, Jack Gurr couldn’t wait to go home. 

The Newcastle, England native struggled being away from his family.  He didn’t focus 100 percent on soccer.  That changed during his final two college years, when he saw Atlanta United FC come onto the scene. 

“I knew there was something there for me to work towards,” Gurr said. 

Gurr is now seven years into his time in the Atlanta area and the states.  And the defender is on Atlanta United’s first team.  He signed officially on April 5 after being with the club’s USL team, Atlanta United 2, since Dec. 2019. 

“It’s brilliant,” Gurr said. “Ever since I got here it’s been fantastic.  It’s a dream come true in my second home.  I want to keep developing and learning.  Very talented players.  I want to fight to get some time on the pitch.  And push others.  Hopefully we can all develop and become a better team.”

Gurr spent two seasons (2018-2019) with the National Premier Soccer League’s Georgia Revolution FC. He was captain for his final year and won Revs Defensive Player of the Year in 2018 along with making the Southeast Conference XI. 

Over his two years, Gurr made 18 appearances, logging 1,618 minutes and scoring one goal and assisting five times. 

“We’re very happy for Jack and Atlanta United,” Revs General Manager Eric Morrison said. “He’s a player who has the work rate, speed, and skill to make and impact this season for United.

“During his two years with the Revs, Jack was one of the best players to ever wear our kit and his enthusiasm was contagious.  The fans loved his energy and outgoing personality and still refer to him as Captain Jack.  The Revs wish him the best and we’ll be cheering for Jack and Atlanta United this season.”

Gurr called the NPSL a good level to keep playing at after his time in college.  It let him stay in the area and test himself against other teams and players.  It made him fit when he got his chance with Atlanta United.  He recalls experiences with the Revs like playing in front of 5,000 fans in Chattanooga. 

When told about Morrison’s comments, Gurr felt pride. 

“It’s brilliant,” Gurr said. “It makes me very proud.  My family watched some of the games I played with the Revs.  It wasn’t what I expected going in, being named captain during my second year.”

Gurr found American soccer as a shock when he came over.  Players were more athletic than he expected.  There was less technical emphasis than back in England.  Speed didn’t work stateside. 

“The game has improved drastically since I got here and I know it will continue to get better,” Gurr said. 

When Gurr was 17, one of his best friends moved to play college soccer in Atlanta.  He decided to follow suit and pursue soccer and an education.  Having friends in the area was helpful.  But it was a big chance. 

It paid off. 

“It was very tough,” Gurr said. “But I’m very proud of how I did.  I made All-American in those last two years at Georgia Gwinnett.  Coming to Atlanta gave me the opportunity I have now.”

Photo Credit: Atlanta United and Matt Laczko