‘Never give up on your dreams’

Mateo Soriano is a 13-year-old Grade 8 student at École Christine-Lespérance.

Like a lot of active young people, Mateo is a multi-sport athlete who enjoys soccer, volleyball, basketball, and golf.

“I focus mostly on soccer and volleyball,” he said. “I enjoy sports because they allow me to just think about whatever it is that I am playing. I also really enjoy spending time with my friends in the different sports I play.”

Mateo plays club soccer for Bonivital and this past season he changed positions – a big adjustment at any age, but one he appreciated.

“I was turned from a winger to a defender, which really enhanced my game and also how I view the game,” he said. “The position I would like to play more of would be a deeper-playing midfielder, as I like being able to go up the field while also helping out the defense.”

Mateo likes the culture of his team at Bonivital.

“The coaches and my teammates… they are all incredible,” he said. “The coaches always have our backs trying to help out as much as they can from the sidelines. My teammates are also great. They are like brothers to me. We always try to encourage and support each other.”

Mateo lives in Meadowood and the River Park South area.

“My mom is Rachelle, my stepdad is Guy, my dad is Hayster, and my sister’s name is Nadia,” he explained, before giving his family a shout-out.

“I would like to thank my parents for all the love and support they have given me through all the years.”

Mateo is going to continue working hard at school and in his chosen sports to help himself improve and to do all he can to contribute to the success of his teams. He has this advice for other athletes:

“I would tell them to never give up on your dreams and keep on chasing them till you achieve them.”