Powell River soccer player Duncan McDonald has been named Canada Soccer’s para player of the year.
McDonald, 24, played every minute of the 2024 International Federation of Cerebral Palsy Football World Cup in Spain, where Canada finished 12th.
McDonald’s head coach Drew Ferguson said McDonald showed up for the World Cup, which was the team’s main event of the year.
“Duncan was solid,” said Ferguson. “He showed up for this event in the best shape.”
McDonald, who is ordinarily a midfielder, played centre back in the tournament. Ferguson said for the 2024 World Cup, McDonald was moved back because the Canadian team had younger players who went to the world cup to get some playing experience.
“We played him in the back to control the game and to limit the shots on goal,” said Ferguson, adding that McDonald led the tournament in blocked shots, clearances and tackles.
“I think Duncan was bruised up in every single game because he faced a lot of soccer balls,” said Ferguson. “He did very well. He put in a very, very solid performance every single game.”
In the final game of the tournament, McDonald took over as captain of the Canadian team, because Sam Charron, the regular captain, was sidelined with an injury. Ferguson said Charron has also won Canada Soccer’s para player of the year, and is one of the best players in the world.
“Duncan stepped in as captain and he’s a good leader on the field and a good leader off the field,” said Ferguson. “It was well deserved. He’s got a bright future ahead of him because he’s still young.”
According to a Canadian Press account, McDonald, who was 15 when he made his debut for the national para soccer team, has played in four International Federation of CP Football World Cups. He has won 37 caps for Canada, including 34 starts.
The Peak has placed a call to McDonald for his reaction to the honour he has been accorded by Canada Soccer.
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