Former Aldergrove Youth Soccer Club player and coach Joel Waterman is playing for Canada at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
Joel played for AYSC for several years as a youth, and went on to play for Trinity Western University (TWU) throughout his university career, taking Silver in the Canada West championship in 2018. He subsequently played for Cavalry FC in 2019 before his playing rights were purchased by CF Montréal of the MLS (Major League Soccer) in January 2020. In April 2021 he was named to Canada Men’s National Team for the opening matches of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Qualifiers campaign.
From Langley School District #35:
When the Canadian national men’s soccer team hits the pitch at the World Cup this week in Qatar, there will be much to celebrate for local sports fans, and especially for those in the Langley School District.
That’s because Aldergrove Community Secondary alum Joel Waterman will be among those players on the field, wearing the red Maple Leaf.
The 26-year-old defender, who also attended Parkside Centennial Elementary and is now a member of CF Montreal in Major League Soccer, was recently named to Canada’s World Cup roster.
“It’s any kid’s dream,” Waterman told the Langley Advance-Times last March, after being picked for the team. …
You can also watch an SD #35 profile on Joel on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7evtkC716iA.
From the FV Current:
Joel Waterman got his start playing soccer in his hometown of Aldergrove when he was five years old. Tomorrow he will make his World Cup debut with Canada.
“I kind of blacked out when I found the news out from [Canada coach] John [Herdman],” Waterman said Monday. “I was just speechless, very emotional.”
Just a few years ago Waterman was playing university soccer in Langley. He only started playing the sport professionally a couple years ago. And before this month, he had never played a game with the national team.
“It’s been an incredible journey,” he said. “I think it [has] happened quite fast. I’ve had to do a lot of adapting, moving, moving from city to city, and moving up level to level.” …
Aldergrove Soccer’s Club Coaches, Executive, and volunteers are excited to watch Joel and Team Canada play in the World Cup. Good luck Joel!
