BMO Featured Players
Whitecaps FC and BMO share a commitment to developing young soccer talent through a coast-to-coast network of Whitecaps BMO Academy Centres.
With World Cup 2026 fast approaching, get to know below some of your future Canadian stars with our Whitecaps FC BMO “Ones to Watch” and “Players of the Month”
Ones to Watch
Camren Strang – Newfoundland BMO Academy Centre
Players of the Month – January
CMSA
Name: Aleena Rafih
Birth Year: 2009
What her coaches say: “Aleena is an exciting prospect who has been dazzling the coaches with her mastery of a ball for a couple of years now. Aleena is a creative player who has the intelligence to play at a higher level when she is older. She picks up techniques very quickly in training and loves to dribble in games which makes her unique. Aleena also has a change of pace over the first couple of yards upon receiving the ball which is a big bonus. Her approach and mindset to training is very good and she should continue to master the ball at home to become even more special in 1v1 moments! Keep working hard Aleena!”
Name: Finn Hannah
Birth Year: 2007
What his coaches say: “Finn is a technically gifted player with a high ceiling who has been a part of our program for a number of years now and is a member of our 2007 showcase team. One of the things that impresses me most about Finn is his attitude and application to training. Finn is an example to young players of how to train. As soon as he steps in the building, he is “in the zone”, totally immersed in the session. Finn’s manipulation of a ball is also at an advanced level and this helps him create space from tight situations to go on the attack. He is also a tenacious player, strong in 1v1 defensive duels and we are looking forward to helping him grow further with our club”
Lethbridge
Name: Sydney Lauzon
Birth Year: 2007
What her coaches say: “During the two lockdowns Alberta has experienced over the past months, Syd has continued training and development throughout. Her attittude towards improving herself physically has been fantastic, and something that will help her game once we hit the pitch. Her mum has been keeping me updated on her workout schedule throughout December & its easy to see the benefit the sessions are having already. Congrats Syd”
Okotoks
Name: Sarah Neuls
Birth Year: 2007
What her coaches say: “Sarah has been a key part of the Okotoks program since it’s inception and has always been a young player with a strong technical foundation. Her first touch is very good, especially when receiving to open up and penetrate forward or switch the point of attack. Sarah also has an excellent work ethic and positive mindset to training. An area that she should work on is her self belief as I believe she has the capabilities to impact games even more. Visualization and focusing on specific things you can control before games really helps with this!”
Name: Finlay Moore
Birth Year: 2008
What his coaches say: “Finn has been a part of our program for a couple of years now and is the type of player that inspires others around him to play well with his tenacious and passionate approach to training and games. Finn also has a really strong first touch both on the ground and in the air and this is testament to the work he does outside of structured training to develop his individual technique. An area that Finn should continue to work on his decision-making in possession of the ball which comes through more game experience but also better spacial awareness. Paint those pictures in your mind of what you want to do before you get the ball Finn by constantly scanning. Keep up the good work!”
Springbank
Name: Abi Hopwood
Birth Year: 2009
What her coaches say: “Abi came into the program this Fall after impressing in one of our summer camps and has demonstrated a tremendous work ethic and attitude to training. These foundations help her to learn various techniques quickly and she is excelling in areas of 1v1 attacking and also receiving (especially on back foot to open up). Abi should continue to add to her toolbox of moves to make her even more unpredictable and a difference maker in games. We are excited to help with continued growth in the game!”
Name: Robson Massey
Birth Year: 2008
What his coaches say: “Robson has been a part of our academy programming for a couple of years and has shown steady growth in all pillars of the game. Technically, he is very proficient in areas of receiving, especially in tight spaces and has excellent levels of awareness. Robson is also a player of excellent character and epitomises what we are looking forward from this perspective in our academy players – discipline, high work-rate, mentality and a team spirit. We are delighted to have the opportunity to educate him and help him on his journey”
Name: Fiona Poole
Birth Year: 2009
What her coaches say: “Fiona has recently joined our academy but has quietly asserted herself as a quality player that wants to learn and has the willingness and attitude to develop her skills. She is very focused during the sessions and has been a pleasure to coach. We look forward to her continuing to grow and develop in our program”
What her coaches say: “Fiona has recently joined our academy but has quietly asserted herself as a quality player that wants to learn and has the willingness and attitude to develop her skills. She is very focused during the sessions and has been a pleasure to coach. We look forward to her continuing to grow and develop in our program”
Name: Finn Williamson
Birth Year: 2011
What his coaches say: “Finn has been in our academy for close to three years and is quickly developing a great attitude and mindset. He always wants to learn and ask questions to better himself as a player. As a player he is a pleasure to work with and the coaching staff appreciate his great attitude and willingness to develop as a player”
What his coaches say: “Finn has been in our academy for close to three years and is quickly developing a great attitude and mindset. He always wants to learn and ask questions to better himself as a player. As a player he is a pleasure to work with and the coaching staff appreciate his great attitude and willingness to develop as a player”
Name: Jayden Barrow
Birth Year: 2005
What his coaches say: “Jayden has shown an excellent attitude, incredible work rate and leadership to help other players succeed. Well done Jayden”
What his coaches say: “Jayden has shown an excellent attitude, incredible work rate and leadership to help other players succeed. Well done Jayden”
Kootenay West
Name: Shelbi van Hellemond
Birth Year: 2006
What her coaches say: “As a new player in our ‘Caps to College program, Shelbi has brought fantastic energy and a willingness to learn! All of Shelbi’s coaches have been really impressed with her player habits and work ethic on the field. Great work Shelbi, this is a well deserved award for you!”
Kootenay East
Name: Hailey Conroy
Birth Year: 2006
What her coaches say: “Hailey has come to every session with a great intent to improve. She has consistently shown great technical ability and player habits during the sessions. With her fantastic commitment and attitude, she has had a very positive influence on the group. Keep up the great work”
Kootenay South
Name: Romeo Gelber
Birth Year: 2005
What his coaches say: “Romeo has been a fantastic addition to the ‘Caps to College program. He is a strong athlete with a great work ethic and has impressed his coaches with his willingness to learn and get better. Keep up the good work, Romeo!”
Name: Devin Dance
Birth Year: 2005
Birth Year: 2005
What her coaches say: “‘Devin is a versatile player and leader on the U-17 girls OPDL team. She showed great leadership after our return to play last summer, with strong on-field performances and by volunteering her time to help coach younger players in the club. A pleasure to coach and we look forward to her continued development as a player and a person”
Mainland Academy – Girls
Name: Nicole Morton
Birth Year: 2011
Birth Year: 2011
What her coaches say: “Nicole constantly shows up to training with a fantastic attitude! She continues to apply the themes learnt in training to her own game. Her love for the game is shown through her effort and enthusiasm in each session. Well done Nicole! Keep it up!”
Mainland Academy – Boys
Name: Alex Guercio
Birth Year: 2011
Birth Year: 2011
What his coaches say: “Alex has been with us for a number of seasons already and shows great passion and excitement about playing and improving. Alex is always looking for feedback and the next challenge. Over the last few months he has really been improving his individual habits. Keep up the great work Alex!”
UBC
Name: Luke Hill
Birth Year: 2009
Birth Year: 2009
What his coaches say: “Luke has consistently demonstrated a phenomenal attitude throughout the Fall and Winter at the UBC Academy. Every week, Luke shows up ready to listen, learn and give his best effort from start to finish. Luke has excelled in tight areas and has shown great creativity on the ball. Well done Luke and keep up the amazing work!”
Fraser Valley
Name: SJ Solon
Birth Year: 2013
Birth Year: 2013
What his coaches say: “SJ continues to impress coaches on a weekly basis with his technical ability and application in training. It is very apparent SJ has also been training during his free time. Additionally, as one of the youngest players at the Fraser Valley Academy, SJ shows maturity beyond his years and has shown consistent leadership within the academy. Well done SJ and keep it up!”
Name: Finn Gregoire
What his coaches say: “Finn has been doing a great job over the last few months, he is making the most of his time at home, staying in shape and studying as much soccer as he can”
Name: Finley Manning
Birth Year: 2004
Birth Year: 2004
What his coaches say: “A combative, competitive player who has a knack for the goals but also abilities, strength and speed to unlock defensive lines. Lead by example”
Name: Bryn Canning
Birth Year: 2006
Birth Year: 2006
What her coaches say: “Not only is Bryn a stand-out player within the training environment, she is starting to show herself as a leader within the group. Bryn brings an enthusiasm and attitude to every training session that sees her push herself and brings out the best in the other players around her. Her commitment to improving herself is evident as she travels over two hours each way to attend practices, giving 100% effort in every practice. Congratulations Bryn!”
Name: Londyn Haimanot
Birth Year: 2009
What her coaches say: “Londyn comes to every single practice with a great attitude and mindset to grow. Although a quiet player, she leads by example with an exemplary attitude, a great work rate and some silky skills. Londyn has shown an excellent ability to see gaps and exploit them with excellent passes. Great job Londyn!”
Birth Year: 2009
What her coaches say: “Londyn comes to every single practice with a great attitude and mindset to grow. Although a quiet player, she leads by example with an exemplary attitude, a great work rate and some silky skills. Londyn has shown an excellent ability to see gaps and exploit them with excellent passes. Great job Londyn!”
Name: Abhinav Dadarwal
Birth Year: 2006
What his coaches say: “Abi is a very coachable player, who shows his ability on the field with his excellent control of the ball. He rarely loses the ball, and is always one step ahead of the game. In addition to his ball control, Abhi also has a great awareness of the game around him and this allows him to move the ball quickly and then get into another position to receive it. Abhi leads by example on the field and is a great role model for younger players. Abhi is a pleasure to coach and a very important member of our group. Great job Abhi!”
Birth Year: 2006
What his coaches say: “Abi is a very coachable player, who shows his ability on the field with his excellent control of the ball. He rarely loses the ball, and is always one step ahead of the game. In addition to his ball control, Abhi also has a great awareness of the game around him and this allows him to move the ball quickly and then get into another position to receive it. Abhi leads by example on the field and is a great role model for younger players. Abhi is a pleasure to coach and a very important member of our group. Great job Abhi!”
Name: Sophia MacDonald
Birth Year: 2008
Birth Year: 2008
What her coaches say: “Sophia has shown a consistently high level of focus and determination to continue to improve her overall game. Sophia demonstrates excellent composure on the ball when under pressure, executes key player habits and leads by example showing a great attitude and work ethic to everyone around her”
Name: Taylor Majestic
Birth Year: 2009
Birth Year: 2009
What her coaches say: “Taylor is a joy to have with us each week, she shows great excitement and hunger to improve. Taylor always has a lot of fun when training but she is also super competitive with herself and others. Keep working and enjoying the journey!”
Name: Finn Raible
Birth Year: 2008
Birth Year: 2008
What his coaches say: “Finn has really been making the most of our Virtual Academy, Finn really applies himself each session and looks for feedback. Finn is also one of those players that is really eager to try new things during the sessions and step out of his comfort zone during the sessions. Keep up the awesome work Finn!”
| PLAYER | BMO ACADEMY CENTRE |
| Addis & Semegn Atkinson | Kootenay BMO Academy Centre |
| Alessandro Calado | Manitoba BMO Academy Centre |
| Alesandro Comita | Kamloops BMO Academy Centre |
| Brandon Tam | London BMO Academy Centre |
| Nova Scotia BMO Academy Centre | |
| Isaac Boehmer | Okanagan BMO Academy Centre |
| Joe Hanson | Yukon BMO Academy Centre |
| Kimia Kassanda | Alberta BMO Academy Centre |
| Kyle Steenstra | Alberta BMO Academy Centre |
| Molly Mertin | Northwest BMO Academy Centre |
| Owen Antoniuk | Alberta BMO Academy Centre |
| Riad Jaha | PEI BMO Academy Centre |
| Sarina Tait | Kelowna BMO Academy Centre |
| Taya Short | Kootenays West BMO Academy Centre |
Click here and find a Whitecaps FC BMO Academy Centre program near you.