Bonivital duo joins Whitecaps academy

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This article was published 14/09/2020 (2164 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Alessandro Calado and Tomas Pena certainly know how to kick things up.

The Manitoba Soccer Association recently announced the pair has been invited to join the Vancouver Whitecaps FC MLS Academy — a full-time, fully-funded player development program in B.C.

According to a recent news release, the academy is comprised of around 70 top-level youth soccer players from across Canada and provides them with the opportunity to achieve their potential as elite soccer players. It also provides a direct pathway to professional and national team environments.

The 17-year-olds — who left for the West Coast on Sept. 7 — have a fair bit in common. They both came through the ranks playing for Bonivital Soccer Club, they were both part of the Manitoba Soccer Residency Prospects Program, and they both represented the province at the 2019 Western Canada Summer Games, when Team Manitoba scored a second-place finish.

Calado — who is also known as AJ — said he’s grateful and excited to have the opportunity to join the academy full-time and take another step closer to his dream of becoming a professional soccer player. More immediately, the Glenlawn Collegiate graduate is looking forward to be being back on the training pitch again, and then subsequently playing games, after training at home by himself — like so many athletes — in recent months.

“I’m very excited,” Calado, who lives in Windsor Park, said. “This is a really big step in the right direction to make my dream come true.”

Noting it’s important to show good character both on and off the field, Calado said he believes his time at the academy will help him develop and grow as both as a person and a player. In terms of the latter, the attacking midfielder is excited to learn more about tactics and is open to trying different positions if the opportunity presents itself.

“I’m looking forward to learning more about myself as a player, in general, and maybe trying out new positions, such as holding midfielder or a different supporting role,” he said.

“I’m really looking forward to it, and I know I have the drive and perseverance to embrace this challenge. There’s also the social aspect and I’m looking forward to trying to fit in the with the rest of the boys.”

In the release, the Manitoba Soccer Association’s executive director Héctor Vergara wished Pena and Calado success on the next chapter of their soccer journey.

“We are extremely pleased for AJ and Tomas as their dedication, commitment and hard work have provided them this wonderful opportunity. It is also important to recognize the support of all their coaches at the club and provincial levels.”