First Touch Football

The director of Valencia International academies Borja Eroles Martinez stops by to tell us more about the upcoming residency project coming to Montreal in September 2020. The episode highlights what the academy will look like and how this will be a unique opportunity for young Canadian Soccer players.

In the episode we got to speak with the man between the pipes for Cavalry FC Marco Carducci. Marco talked to us about growing up in Calgary and what it was like representing his province and country at such a young age. We also got to speak to Marco about his time in the Vancouver Whitecaps system and his transition from the academy to the first team. We also got Marco’s initial impressions about the CPL and what he expects from his new team in 2019.

In this episode of Pro Focus we spoke with Canada Men’s national team defender Sam Adekugbe. Sam who is originally from England talks to us about moving to Canada and progressing up the ranks in the Vancouver Whitecaps Academy system to the first team. We also talk about what it’s like to play abroad and the challenges that come with being a professional athlete. In the ladder part of the episode we get Sam’s insight on what it was like to get his first national team call and shares with us his goals as a professional in the future!

In this episode we had a chance to speak with Montreal, Quebec native Mamadi Camara. Mamadi was recently selected to participate in the MLS combine after his phenomenal 4 year career at Simon Fraser University. Mamadi talks to us about growing up in the Quebec youth system, how he ended up at Simon Fraser University in BC, his goals as a professional in the next few years and much more!

In this episode we had a chance to speak to North Vancouver native Thomas Gardner. Thomas was recently selected in the inaugural CPL/ USPORTS draft in the first round by Pacific FC. Gardner talks to us about his draft day experience, his phenomenal freshman season at UBC, and what it was like developing in the youth soccer system in British Columbia!

In our first episode of Pro Focus we had the opportunity to chat with Chicago Fire star Raheem Edwards. Raheem talked to us about growing up in Mississauga, Ontario playing youth soccer with his home club Erin Mills, OCAA soccer at Sheridan College, and his time spent in League One Ontario. We also got Raheem’s story on how he became a pro and the transitions he went through from Toronto FC 2 to the first team and eventuality making the controversial move to rival Montreal Impact.We also talk about the Canadian Men’s national team, the CPL and which team he would one day love to play for.

In this episode we spoke to Sigma FC goalkeeper from Scarborough, Ontario, Triston Henry. Triston shares with us his experiences playing youth soccer in Ontario, how he ended up with multiple division 1 offers in the states, and his time spent in League One Ontario;describing how he feels it has prepared him for his next step into becoming a professional!

In this episode we spoke to one of the most highly touted prospects in NCAA men's soccer, Callum Montgomery. Callum talked to us about his journey to Charlotte University and what it is like playing for a nationally ranked team. He also shared with us his experiences playing youth soccer in BC and not being considered a "top" player when he was younger. The defender also shed some light on playing in the PDL and when he was starting to get consideration as a premier MLS porspect.

In this episode we talked to the ‘Polisi Brothers’ from BC! The two both play for the powerhouse Simon Fraser University in NCAA Div 2, and are highly touted players out west. The brothers talk to us about playing for SFU,the TSS Rovers in the PDL, and their time at Vancouver Whitecaps residency. We also find out about their youth careers and how they developed in the youth system in B.C.

This episode we got a chance to speak with Brandon Duarte a star midfielder from Mississauga, Ontario and standout for St. John’s University (NCAA Div 1). We talked to Brandon about what it’s like playing for the Oakville Blue Devils in League One Ontario, his path to becoming a division 1 soccer player , and much more!

In this episode of ‘Amateur Spotlight’ we spoke with USPORTS 2017 ‘Player of the Year’ Cory Bent. Cory talked to us about his undefeated championship run with Cape Breton University , his time spent with Victoria Highlanders in the PDL, and even his brief stint with Manchester United as a youth academy player!

This episode we got the chance to speak the Andron a star midfielder from Thornhill, Ontario and standout for Fordham University (NCAA Div 1). We talked to Andron about what his youth career was like, his time spent with Vaughn SC, and his thoughts on the CPL!