Duncan McDonald, who grew up playing soccer in Powell River, is honoured and humbled to be named Canada Soccer’s para player of the year.
Representing Canada this year at the International Federation of Cerebral Palsy Football (IFCPF) World Cup in Spain, McDonald won praise from his coach Drew Ferguson, also of Powell River, for his performance at the tournament.
“He put in a very, very solid performance every single game,” said Ferguson.
McDonald was humble about being named para soccer player of the year, saying that soccer is a team sport, and he couldn’t have achieved what he has without everyone at his side.
“It’s a great honour to be recognized, but I know I have my teammates to thank,” said McDonald.
As a further honour, in the final game of the world tournament, McDonald was handed the captain’s armband when regular captain Samuel Charron, also a winner of Canada Soccer’s para player of the year, was injured.
“He’s our captain through and through,” said McDonald. “He’s an absolutely remarkable player. He went out and we’re wishing the best for him. So, they gave me the captain’s armband and I did the best I could, having learned from Samuel.”
McDonald, 24, usually plays midfield, but was moved back because the Canadian team had some younger players that fit into his regular position. McDonald was in the backfield to help control the game and limit shots on goal.
“I played the first game against Brazil at centre midfield, and then for the next four games, I played at centre back, which was a transition,” said McDonald. “I don’t know what plans Drew has for me going forward, but I definitely enjoyed the back line and all the battles that came with it. Ireland, in particular, definitely threw some massive challenges my way, but I really enjoyed playing there. So, whether it’s midfield or centre back, it’s an honour, either way.”
In the first game of the 2024 world tournament, Canada lost to Brazil 4-0. Canada beat Japan 2-0 later in the tournament, which McDonald said the team saw as a must-win.
“That was fabulous,” said McDonald. “We had a bunch of young teammates who made their debut for us and they looked exceptional. So, there’s a lot of cause to be really optimistic in the years ahead. It was a really great learning experience for all of us, so we can be very happy with how the game went.”
Canada also had games against England, Ireland and Venezuela, which were recorded as losses. Canada finished 12th in the tournament.
McDonald said playing for the national team in world competition is a bit nerve-wracking, but he is pleased with how the team has gelled over the past few years.
“When you’re really good friends off the field, then you fight like hell for each other on it,” said McDonald. “Our team chemistry is really good right now. I love playing with them. It’s an honour every time I step on the field with them.”
McDonald is a national team veteran, having first stepped on the field for Canada when he was 15, playing in Denmark in 2016, and having represented Canada 37 times. He grew up going through the Powell River Youth Soccer system, beginning play when he was three. Growing up in Powell River, he met Ferguson, and was recruited for the national team.
“Drew knew me from quite a young age,” said McDonald. “He knew I was eligible to play para soccer, and thankfully, he took me under his wing and got me going with the team. I have Drew to thank for that and I’m super grateful.
“I love playing under him. He’s a great coach. I’ve learned a lot from him and I know I can learn a lot more in the years ahead.”
When not playing for the national team, McDonald, this past season, played in the Burnaby men’s soccer league. In the coming year, he is moving to Australia to pursue a master’s degree in computer science, so he will be looking to get set up with a team there to keep him in game shape.
“In the meantime, I’ve just been training and getting ready for Australia,” said McDonald. “I’m excited to see how it turns out.”
McDonald said that even though he will be distant from Canada, he plans to continue playing for the national team. He said he will come back to train and prepare for the next tournament, which will be in Uruguay in September.
“I’ll be eligible to try and make the team for the tournament ahead,” said McDonald, “so I have no qualms about that.”
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