TFC draft pick points to development as the key to Canadian soccer success

Goalkeeper Gavran a product of that system

Luka Gavran TFC II
Luka Gavran, here playing for St. John's University, in the NCAA, is a product of the Canadian development system he says is key for recent soccer success in this country. (Courtesy St. John's Athletics.) 

The success of Canada on the global stage is a big part of how the game of soccer is rapidly growing here, says Luka Gavran.

A Hamilton native, the rookie goalkeeper for TFC II is inspired by how well the men’s and women’s teams have done, and believes it will encourage the next generation coming along.

Gavran’s comments came this week, as the national team took the final steps towards its first FIFA World Cup berth since 1986 – just months after the women won Olympic gold.

“Now with the MLS (providing quality competition) and how good Canada’s doing, it’s helping everybody I hope,” said the former St. John’s University keeper. “Knock on wood, they make the World Cup which is huge for us.”

Soccer in Canada has not been as popular as hockey in the country’s history, but with recent success both at the international and local level that’s all beginning to change, the goalie believes.

This country has also invested in its first professional soccer circuit, with the Canadian Premier League, which had its inaugural season in 2019.

TFC II head coach Gianni Cimini doesn’t have to look far for growth.

“I see it even with within my own family, where you see people that were not necessarily (involved), watching daily, following continuously,” he said.

“And (you see) just what it means from soccer people that have been part of the journey for a long time, where maybe we didn’t have much success.”

It is, he says “very encouraging” for everyone in the pro game here.

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Posted: Mar 27 2022 10:50 am
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