Ethan Delhez wears a soccer jersey, a friendly grin and brown wavy hair side-swept into the style of cool sixth graders everywhere. He looks like a typical 12 year old, but after a few minutes of conversation it’s clear that this young soccer player has already started developing the maturity and confidence characteristic of many successful athletes.
Delhez is one of 12 soccer players chosen to represent Western Canada at the Danone Nations Cup Canadian final at BMO Field in Toronto on July 14.
“I’m excited to play at the BMO Field, which is the stadium where Canada plays,” he said.
The Western and Eastern Canadian teams will go head-to-head for the chance to represent Canada at the international final Sept. 11 to 13 in Warsaw, Poland. This is the 13th year for the Danone Nations Cup featuring teams of 10 to 12 year olds from 40 different countries. Last year Canada finished sixth, the country’s best finish ever at the event.
Delhez’s journey to the Canadian final began two years ago when he attended his first selection camp in the Danone Nations Cup program along with hundreds of other hopeful young Albertans. He enjoyed the experience so much that he decided to go to the selection camp again the following year.
Delhez’s father Brad said the organizers do a great job of promoting sportsmanship at the camps and making the experience fun for the participants. When Delhez went out for a third and final time, he was one of only 35 players who made the cut.
“It’s a real honour to make a team of that level, and to be able to experience something like that at his age is pretty amazing,” Brad said.
The Delhez’s are a St. Albert soccer family. Dad was a player in the St. Albert Soccer Association club program until the age of 17 and Ethan’s older brother Cameron played soccer as well.
Ethan began playing soccer at five. His dad, who also coaches Ethan, says that his son’s affinity for the game was evident from an early age.
“Even as a young guy he was very skilled and very passionate, which kind of comes across in his play, so he always really excelled at it,” Brad said.
Delhez enjoys playing striker the most. He used to play hockey as well, but two years ago made the choice to commit his time to soccer. Delhez is on the field with the St. Albert Impact four nights a week year-round.
When he travels to Toronto for the Canadian final in July, Delhez will have a sizeable cheering section. His parents, brother, grandpa and two cousins will accompany him.
The Western Canadian team comprises players from British Columbia and Alberta while players who made the Eastern Canadian team hail from Ontario and Quebec.
Players on the losing team in the Canadian final will still have a shot at competing in Poland. Two players demonstrating extraordinary sportsmanship and athletic ability will be selected from the defeated side to join the team representing Canada.
Delhez is looking forward to the trip and to experiencing new things with the team. The bright young athlete was thoughtful when asked what advice he would give to players trying out for the Danone Nations Cup program next year.
“It’s not all about being nervous and stuff,” he said. “Just go out and have fun and try your hardest.”
