Our three most recent Popes Francis, Benedict, and John Paul two all love(d) soccer and all three come from countries that are represented in Qatar at FIFA World Cup 2022. During the next few weeks, The B.C. Catholic will keep you posted on the progress of the teams from Argentina, Germany, and Poland, and other faith-related stories. We also look look forward to presenting further columns on the “beautiful game” in the near future, including a similar presentation for the Women’s World Cup in 2023.
In this special section we take a look at some of the names that are products of local soccer thanks to Catholic schools fostering young men of faith who continue their Catholicity playing soccer.
From obscurity to Qatar
For the first time in 36 years the Canadian men’s national soccer team will not be watching the World Cup but will be participating as the 2022 version is played out in Qatar from Nov. 20 to Dec. 18.
After an incredibly impressive qualifying session, which included victories over the United States and Mexico, our Canadian side will be competing in a box with Belgium, Morocco, and Croatia. Making their way out of this box will certainly be a challenge, but this version of the Canadian squad has already shown the world its speed, athleticism, offensive flair, and team unity.
Canada has qualified in a year that a few traditional soccer powers did not, including Italy. Having won four FIFA World Cup titles, Italy has also produced some of the most brilliant players and managers. One of these is Carlo Ancelotti, the manager of La Liga club Real Madrid.
Ancelotti, who has a Canadian connection through his marriage to a Vancouverite, has a lengthy list of accomplishments, titles, and personal awards and is one of the few European coaches who profess Christian faith (along with Jurgen Klopp and Tony Pulis). The Italian legend, who has managed many of the top teams in Europe including Juventus, AC Milan, Chelsea, Paris St. Germaine, Bayern Munich, Napoli, and Everton, speaks highly of Canada in Qatar.
“I will be cheering for Canada in the 2022 World Cup,” he said. “Canada is my second home.”
When asked about potentially coaching the Canadian National team someday, he responded, “Canada? Why not? I like it.”
Victor Montaglioni, president of the FIFA governing body CONCACAF, is a Canadian with Italian roots. “Qualifying for the World Cup makes our country relevant … as we will now be counted as a footballing nation,” he has said.
All of this excitement around Canada’s soccer team got us at The B.C. Catholic interested in talking to some of the young local stars of the game who attended Vancouver archdiocesan schools. They shared their thoughts on a variety of issues including faith, schools, setting a good example, and Team Canada’s chances.
From OLF to MLS
Kadin Chung is a member of Toronto FC in Major League Soccer. He has represented Canada numerous times over many years (u15, u17, u20 and u23) including playing in the youth World Cup. Although he started playing soccer at age six he, like most Canadians, has been involved in other sports including hockey and swimming. Kadin attended Our Lady of Fatima Elementary in Coquitlam and Archbishop Carney Regional Secondary in Port Coquitlam and speaks highly of his experiences there.
“I had so much support from my teachers at OLF; they all hold a special place in my heart. They gave me a strong sense of morals.”
A special memory for him was the many successes in CISVA track and soccer championships. At Carney the young soccer prodigy remembers an instructor who was very supportive of him.
“Mr. (John) Borzillo was a teacher that I really respected. He was able to get some important life lessons across to me and he took an interest in my career.”
Kadin’s career now sees him establishing himself as a pro player in Toronto. “There have been many positives as well as hardships, but overall it has been a dream come true signing my first MLS contract with Toronto FC.”
He has also learned a lot about mental toughness and resilience during his pro career. When our discussion turned to the image he likes to portray on the pitch, he said, “I like to set a good example especially in regard to my work ethic – how to prepare physically and mentally. Give yourself the best chance to succeed.”
Kadin (who counts Cristiano Ronaldo as one of his favourite players) advises young athletes to “enjoy every moment as much as possible. Play free and with a smile.” As for Team Canada’s chances in Qatar, he says, “I would love to see Canada go all the way; I think they’ll make it out of the group stage.”
Trust in God
Kieran Eve is currently toiling his soccer trade for the Trinity Western Spartans. He also attended Our Lady of Fatima and then Archbishop Carney from Grades 10-12.
At the school he found that the Catholic values he learned at home were reinforced. Kieran grew up in a strong Catholic household where his parents imparted the faith to Kieran and his three younger sisters.
“My faith became the central part of my life due to my parents’ example of prayer and the Mass,” he said.
Living a faithful Catholic life publicly is not easy in today’s anti-Christian culture, but being at a Catholic high school like Carney made Kieran stronger in this regard.
“The school made it easier to be comfortable in my faith; I didn’t have to worry about what others would think. Today I don’t care what other people think because I was able to develop my faith when young at the school.”
He always makes time for Mass and even tries to make weekly confession. While top athletes often skip Sunday Mass when away at a weekend tournament, that’s not the case for him. “At TWU I play with Francis and Thomas Powell and whenever we are away we find out when the Masses are and someone will drive us there to Mass.”
Having teammates who share the faith has been helpful for Kieran as it would be for anyone. He has identified what everyone needs to learn, which is to find out who shares your faith and values and help build each other up.
For Kieran prayer is also vital, especially before going on the pitch. “Before games I like to do the Sign of the Cross and remember to trust in God and glorify him by my performance. It reminds me why I am doing this.”
Like Kadin Chung, Kieran had a variety of sports in his young life, especially long distance running at OLF. But from a very young age soccer has been in Kieran’s life, and just as his father played, he is now carrying the torch.
Kevin De Bruyne is the international player that the TWU midfielder most wants to emulate as a two-way player. Leadership is one of Kieran’s strengths and he believes that all players need to take ownership for their actions. “We always have to be respectful of opponents and officials: never be insulting.”
He utilized these gifts and had a taste of representing Canada while playing for a Whitecaps youth team during a tournament in Sweden. He got to play against Barcelona’s youth team in the tournament which remains a highlight of his soccer career so far.
Kieran sees similarities between developing one’s faith and one’s sport. “The more time you put into practising your faith, just like your sport, you will grow much stronger.”
It’s a matter of practical wisdom. When friends ask him why he attends daily Mass or prays regularly, he asks them whether they do the same with school, work, or sport. “Of course,” they answer. His suggestion to young Catholic soccer players is to read a passage of the Bible every day and reflect on it. “Keep it simple; just a few minutes. This will help you keep the connection and trust in God.”
He finds the strategy especially helpful during challenging times when things are not going well.
Kieran sees Canada’s hopes in Qatar as dependent on the team utilizing its counter-attacking strength. If they do they might be able to get through the group stage, although he believes they have their work cut out for them if they want to beat the top teams.
Notes and quotes from other promising Archdiocesan soccer stars
Francis Powell: Queen of All Saints Elementary, Coquitlam/Archbishop Carney/TWU. “I am comforted knowing that God is in control of my life and will guide me through my athletic endeavours.”
Eric White: Our Lady of Fatima/Whitecaps FC2. “Through prayer I give thanks to God for giving me strength and guiding me through all my aspirations on and off the field.”
The supporting team
Christian Comuzzi: Our Lady of Fatima/St. Thomas More Secondary, Burnaby/SFU
Dawson Brown: Queen of All Saints/Archbishop Carney/SFU
Logan Chung: Our Lady of Fatima/UBC
Thomas Powell: Queen of All Saints/Archbishop Carney/TWU