My Football Journey:

Canada to Portugal

Chasing the Dream

Football has been my passion for as long as I can remember. From kicking a ball around as a kid in Vancouver to training with FC Faly, my dream has always been to take my game to the next level. I knew that if I wanted to truly challenge myself, I needed to be in a football environment where the game was played at its highest level every day. That opportunity led me to Portugal—one of the best places in the world for football development.

The journey hasn’t been easy. It has meant taking risks, leaving behind everything familiar, and stepping into the unknown. But every step has been worth it.

From Vancouver to Estoril

In Vancouver, I spent years developing my game with FC Faly Academy, training and competing at the highest level available to me. I loved my time there, but I knew I wanted more. I wanted to be in an environment where football wasn’t just a sport but a way of life.

Through my club, I learned about a connection with Estoril Praia, a club that plays in Liga Portugal against great clubs like Benfica and Sporting Lisbon. The idea of moving to Europe to play football was something I had dreamed about for years, but now, there was a real opportunity in front of me.

It wasn’t a guaranteed path. I wasn’t coming in with an official promise or a secured spot—I was registering with the club, training, and hoping to prove myself. There were no guarantees, just an opportunity. But that’s all I needed.

A New Life in Portugal

Leaving Vancouver wasn’t easy. I left behind my family, friends, and my girlfriend, knowing that I was stepping into a completely new world. Life in Estoril has been an adjustment—a new culture, a new language, and a different style of football. The game here is faster, more technical, and more tactical than anything I’ve experienced before. Every training session pushes me to be better, and I know that if I want to make it here, I have to work harder than ever.

Beyond football, adjusting to life in Portugal has been an adventure on its own. I’m learning Portuguese, experiencing new foods, and settling into a daily routine that revolves around football, training, and studying. It’s a different lifestyle from what I knew in Canada, but it’s exactly what I signed up for.

The Road Ahead

Right now, my focus is simple: work hard, improve every day, and earn my place. Nothing in football is given—everything is earned. My goal is to continue developing, getting better, and proving that I belong at this level.

I know that this is just the beginning. The path to playing at the highest level isn’t easy, but I’m ready to take on every challenge that comes my way.

For those who have supported me—my family, my coaches, my friends—thank you. This journey is just getting started, and I can’t wait to see where it takes me.

🚀 Follow my journey here at CRJ Footballer for updates on my progress, training, and what’s next in my football career.