He might be the second youngest on the team, turning 17 next month.
He might not be one of the most experienced players on the Vancouver Football Club’s roster.
But, midfielder Taryck (T.J.) Tahid of Maple Ridge has pearls of wisdom to share with aspiring young athletes like him dreaming of a career in pro soccer.
“It is possible,” he said, pointing to his own experience.
In fact, Tahid has a few suggestions for the up-and-comers. It starts with advising them to get registered and get their butts down to Willoughby Stadium in Langley next week.
The Vancouver FC is hosting its second annual open trials Monday through Thursday, March 18 to 21, in search of undiscovered soccer talent.
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Tahid learned about last year’s open trials through word of mouth in what he called a small network of Lower Mainland soccer players. Discussing it with his family – including his father, who coaches youth with VanCity Pro Football Academy in Burnaby – they felt it was an opportunity he had to seize on.
Tahid has no regrets.
“It was nice having tryouts for a pro club in the community I grew up in,” said the Maple Ridge teen, who was glad for an opportunity to show himself to the coaches of a Lower Mainland team.
“Thankfully, the coaches were happy with my performance,” he said.
To any aspiring young players – whether they be little kids he now coaches on the field at his dad’s academy or those ponder the VFC open trials – Tahid encourages them to go for their dreams.
“Just be yourself. Don’t worry about what others think of you when you play. Just be yourself, work hard, and know your goal,” he said, explaining that his goal has always been to play pro soccer at the highest level possible.
His goal was realized at VFC open trials last January when he was invited to train with the team and ultimately signed to play days after his 16th birthday.
Tahid went on to enjoy 554 minutes of play in 20 appearances last year, scoring three goals during his inaugural pro season.
But it’s admittedly his pro debut and his first goal that he will never forget, Tahid shared with The News.
“My first pro goal, that will be in my heart forever,” he said, recounting the strike in the 46th minute of play against Pacific FC at home on June 2.
“That day, after that goal, was very, very extraordinary. From that goal, I just remember turning, shooting, and then after that I don’t really remember much. I just remember the joy, and sharing that with everyone around me in the stadium.”
A professional career in the sport is possible, Tahid reiterated in sharing his own story with VFC.
As for the number of spots available at this year’s open trials, the football team said that’s a wildcard, noting the number depends on the talented player who attend. Last year 30 players out of the tryouts went on to train with VFC, and six were signed to a pro contract through the season.
“That is what makes open trials so exciting is the unknown of who will come out of it,” said team spokesperson Katelyn White. “Open trials is just like an opportunity. It’s a chance. It’s an open door. It’s something that wouldn’t be offered otherwise. That’s the beauty of something like this, that anyone who thinks they are ready and able to play professionally actually has a shot.
Some will be picked to train with the team, and some – like Tahid and fellow midfielder James Cameron – will be selected to sign a contract, suit up, and play for this Canadian Premiere League (CPL) team.
In the meantime, Tahid and the rest of the team are already gearing up for the second CPL season, which gets underway in a month when VFC hosts the Valour FC for a 4 p.m. game on Sunday, April 14 on their home pitch at Willoughby Stadium.
Daily training started a few weeks ago, and the players are getting together three days a week to practise and two times a week for what Tahid calls “friendly games” with local teams.
As for how young Tahid is feeling about his skill sets heading into the new season, he’s confident his game has improved significantly thanks to the coaching staff and his teammates.
“I’m excited. I have the first year under my belt now and I’m excited going into this season, especially with all the new signings coming in. The level [of play] has gone up, and it’s great to be training in this environment right now,” he shared, excited to kick off the season.
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