Bradford's Ethan Gil is headed to the Word Youth Soccer Tournament in Portugal this spring.
The 10-year-old St. Angela Merici student started playing soccer when he was four with the Bradford Eagles grassroots program.
"I love playing soccer because it is a beautiful game. I feel very happy when I am on the field because I can express myself," he said.
He then went on to join what is now called the Bradford Union FC soccer club. Due to his advanced skill level, he ended up playing with kids one year older than him.
From there, he joined the River Plate Toronto AIFC team, which is now his home club.
Although he doesn't play for the Bradford club anymore, he says it is where he learned the basic fundamentals of the sport.
By participating in many tournaments with his new team, he was scouted by TFC (Toronto Football Club) coaches and selected to train in the Toronto FC Junior Selects program. TFC Selects is an invitation-only development and identification program for players from age 10 to 13.
He plays three games every weekend. He trains with the Selects once per week and with River Plate, three, and plays roughly three games every weekend.
"My current club River Plate Toronto AIFC (Athlete Institute Football Club) has prepared me a lot by helping me improve my skills and knowledge of the game," he said.
To be a successful soccer player, Ethan says it's important to listen to the coaches and try your hardest.
"You also need to do training and extra work on your own time," he said.
Ethan is looking forward to travelling to Portugal in April to take part in the World Youth Soccer tournament with 50,000 players from around the world for a week of competitive sport.
"I am really excited to play against some of the top teams in the world. It will be a great learning experience at a high level, and I hope I can get noticed by some of the coaches of these teams," he said.
This won't be the first time Ethan has travelled by plane for a soccer match. When he was eight, he flew to Germany for a tournament, playing with players two to four years his senior.
"It was a great experience at a young age to train with older players," he said. "Now I am so excited to travel to Portugal, a country I have never been to before."
Ethan will be making the trip with his parents and older brother.
"My family are my biggest supporters and I am so happy to have them help me with everything," he said. "I am grateful for my family and I am glad they are always there to support me."
"From training him when he was four years old, to seeing him grow up to the player he is today it brings me great joy," said brother Ricardo Jr. "His success came with a lot of hard work and discipline and what I really admire is that not only is he becoming a great athlete, he’s also learning that if you have goals in life you go for it and work for it. I hope he keeps working hard and developing in the TFC program, and then makes the dream move to a European club."
Ethan has lived in Bradford his whole life.
"I have lots of friends here and there are lots of places to play soccer outside," he said.
His dad, Ricardo Sr. is from Uruguay and his mom, Paloma, is from Mexico.
They said this has been a big year for Ethan and his soccer skill development.
"Since he was little he has always loved soccer," said Paloma. "As he grew, he saw his older brother playing soccer and he got more involved. He has skills and the joy for the sport so we will support him all the way."
Ethan hopes to play one day for the Canadian Men's soccer team. Until then, he says he will continue to train with his current club team and the TFC Selects.
