Power Player
Gagandeep Josan

Age: 16

Hometown: Surrey, B.C Sport:

Soccer Teams:
Surrey United Selects and B.C. Provincial team

Most memorable moments:
When I was selected to be a part of the Canadian National Team training camp a few years back and then being called back again just last year for the second time. Being captain of the under-14 Provincial Team was a big responsibility. As captain, I tried my best to keep the team on track and pushed myself for the ultimate prize: the National Championships. As we reached the finals against Ontario we were red-carded in the second half and a man down. We kept fighting and, minutes later, we got a break away but the shot was saved by the Ontario goalkeeper. As the referee blew the whistle it was 0-0 but we had lost by a goal on aggregate. We ended the season placing second, which was disappointing.

Sports career highlights:
Surrey United U14 Coastal Champions; Surrey United U14 Provincial Champions; B.C U14 Provincial Team captain; getting scouted at U14 Nationals; selected twice for the National Team; 2008 Coastal Cup finals player of the game; getting scouted by Glasgow Celtic F.C in the summer of 2007

When did you start playing?
I started my soccer career at the age of eight with the Under-9 Vipers. I was really inspired by my older cousins, who played a lot, and from there I became attached to the game.

What do you love most about the sport?
To me it is all about having fun while playing the sport you love. Going out and playing against some of the best players locally, nationally and internationally really inspires me to push myself to the next level.

How do you balance school and sports?
I try and stay as organized as possible when it comes to school because alongside soccer, I know I have to maintain good grades.

What has playing sports taught you about life?
My ups and downs throughout soccer have helped me grow as an individual as my experiences have taught me that life is about more then just winning. You have to work hard and believe in what you do in order to achieve success.

Your family: a strong support team?
My family has always been there for me every step of the way, encouraging me to give it my all each and every time I step onto the pitch. They have always been my biggest fans and my motivation to excel on the field. Without them nothing would be possible; they’ve helped me make my dreams become reality.

Advice for aspiring athletes:
Never give up on your dreams and always push yourself to achieve the best. Nothing is impossible and you should aspire to achieve your goals. If you put your mind to something and strive for your goal, then anything is possible.

Career goals:
To play soccer at the highest level in the future. Every training session I push myself and every game I give it my all because ultimately I want to see myself at the top. p