The Future Looks Bright

I am not alone in being swept up in the men’s FIFA World Cup. Watching Canada perform on this global stage has been so exciting and memorable. The last time my country participated, I was 19, living in Vancouver, my whole life in front of me.

This time around, it hit different. Two players on the national team, Richie Laryea and Cyle Larin, played more than a decade with my son, and I spent a lot of time helping their academy (Sigma FC) with their communications and social media. A third Sigma FC graduate — Tajon Buchanan — also started for Canada alongside his academy mates. I watched Richie and Cyle grow up from around 10 years of age until they left for university careers in the NCAA, and beyond that to the professional ranks.

The founders of Sigma FC — Bobby and Costa Smyrniotis — were forward thinking. They had a plan for the future and stuck to it. I helped with video reports, did media training for the older players and helped with recruiting highlight reels.  I used to watch the kids play and marvel at their talent and wonder if anyone from that 1995 age group would lead Canada back to the men’s World Cup. I thought it might be possible for some these kids to make it, but it seemed like such a long shot. To see three academy grads among the starting 11, well I would have been laughed at if I predict that all those years ago.

Canada was in the soccer wilderness on the men’s side back then. It was hard to think that it was possible.

Canada’s World Cup ended in the group stage after three successive losses. But thanks to their style of play and team spirit they left an impression on the football world. They have learned first hand what it will take to reach the next level in 2026 when Canada co-hosts the tournament with the United States and Mexico.  Their rise had me ruminating on the benefits of planning and structure and how progress, qualifying for the first men’s World Cup tournament in 36 years even, doesn’t happen overnight.

You need to stumble before you soar, and setbacks are really learning moments that provide the tools to take flight. When I think of the journey players like Richie and Cyle, and of course the rest of this talented group, had en route to Qatar, they wouldn’t have made it on sheer talent alone. They benefited from a supportive training environment, good education in the game, discipline and drive and a support network to help them when things got difficult. We all know that in life, it always does.

I was thrilled for Richie, Cyle and Tajon and for their families. It was a wonderful accomplishment. I was also excited to hear how much resolve they have for what is to come. Thanks to the efforts of groups such as Sigma FC and so many others, a whole new cohort of talented young players will be ready to step up and answer the call for their country in 2026. 

I can’t wait to see what they do next.

Sigma FC 1995 team at the Score Showcase in North Carolina in 2011.