Whitecaps FC Residency designed to develop player skills
The B.C. Catholic
At age 13, Kieran Eve is on the way to achieving a goal many have only dreamed of: playing professional soccer.
Kieran, a graduate from Our Lady of Fatima School in Coquitlam, has been accepted into the Whitecaps FC Residency program.
“It feels great (to be accepted), it’s always been a dream to play for a professional club like the Whitecaps,” said Kieran. “I was really excited when I got the email of acceptance into the program!”
The program is a full-time training course that combines intense soccer training with education and accommodation. The program will include about 80 of the top players in the country.
He attributes his talents to both God and lots of practice. “God gave me the talents I have, and I want to make the most of what God gives me,” Kieran said.
“I really want to do the best I can for God and everyone supporting me. It’s the best sport in the world, and it’s so much fun to play,” he said. “I love going out with my friends and kicking a ball around.”
But the journey is one of many challenges and sacrifices, as his father Brian knows. “He’s always playing the game, which takes a lot of time to practise,” said Brian. “He makes sacrifices and constantly studies the game.”
“There was a time when (Kieran) had trouble juggling the ball 10 times, and he would get frustrated,” Brian said. But Kieran continued to practise, despite his frustrations. “He can now juggle somewhere around the mid 400s.”
Brian exposed his son to many sports when he was younger. The young Kieran struggled with ice sports, and field sports seemed a natural fit. “He was a natural at soccer,” Brian said. “Kieran has played for 9-10 years, and he’s working hard at it. He has lots of potential.”
“He was recently in Mexico City with the Whitecaps, and has been to Europe to play. I’m very proud and excited for Kieran; no one I’ve met works harder or studies the game more than him.”
