For the love of the game
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 17/08/2022 (287 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
Leju James is a 15-year-old soon to be going into Grade 10 at Daniel McIntyre Collegiate Institute. Leju is an exceptional student who has made the honour roll for the last two years.
“My favourite class is science. It really captures my interest. When I walk into science class I am always interested and excited to learn,” he said. “School is really important to me. I am raised in a house that really emphasizes education. I have been raised to value the importance of education and to get the best education and highest degree possible.”
Leju has been playing soccer since he began walking.
Leju James, 15, attends Daniel McIntyre Collegiate and plays soccer for the FC Northwest U16 team. An excellent student, he dreams of playing soccer professionally someday.
“I used to always hang out with my dad and his friends and play with them. I love the game of soccer with all my heart,” he said. “I will do anything to help make sure I can play the game of soccer. Right now I play for the U16 FC Northwest team. We have a good team. We are like a family. Sometimes we have to battle through adversity, but we always come back as a family. Coach John and Blair are good coaches and guys and we have a close, good squad.”
Leju lives in central Winnipeg with his dad Erkolano, his mum Suzanne, sister Gloria, and his little brother Chris.
“I am very thankful for my parents for leaving Syria and for coming to Canada helping to give me and brother and sister a better life,” he said. “The love they give is exceptional. They teach us how to be good people and how to behave properly. I am forever thankful to my parents.”
Leju works really hard in the classroom and he works equally hard on his dream with the sport he loves.
“My dream is to play professionally. My dream is what drives me to work really hard training and in practice. I know I have to try my very best to have any chance of reaching my dream.”
Leju is a very impressive young man with a bright future. He has this to offer to young athletes:
“Work hard. Hard work always helps to take you places and pays off in the end.”
Troy Westwood
Westwood's Sports Heroes
Former Winnipeg Blue Bombers kicker Troy Westwood writes about Winnipeg’s unsung sports heroes every other week in the Canstar Community News weeklies.