Surrey resident Jeevan Singh Badwal has been picked to play at the MLS NEXT All-Star Game in mid-July.
A midfielder with the Whitecaps Academy’s U17 team, Badwal is among “rising stars” who’ll showcase their soccer talents at the Naval Academy’s Glenn Warner Soccer Facility in Annapolis, Maryland, on July 19.
The lifelong Newton-area resident is considered a key player for both club and country this season. The 17-year-old made his pro debut with Whitecaps FC 2 MLS NEXT Pro, with two appearances so far.
At the international level, Badwal started every match for Canada’s U-17 men’s national team at the Concacaf U-17 Championship, helping his country qualify for the 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup this November.
He’s aiming to play pro soccer one day, either with the Whitecaps or maybe in Europe.
“He’s worked really hard to get here, and we’re happy and excited for him,” said mother Gurinder, wife of Kam Badwal, Jeevan’s soccer-loving father.
“It was a shock for all of us, and we didn’t know he’d get invited (to the MLS NEXT showcase).
“It’s a big step for his career.”
STORY CONTINUES BELOW
Axel Schuster, Whitecaps FC sporting director, said the club is proud of Badwal for selection to the MLS NEXT All-Star Game.
“As soccer is a team sport, his selection is also a reward to his teammates and coaches that have all worked the entire year together to continue developing their game,” Schuster said in a news release posted online.
“Since joining our academy in 2019, Jeevan has made amazing steps and this nomination is a reflection of his efforts. We’re looking forward to cheering him on and helping him continue to progress in his career.”
Badwal went to Tamanawis Secondary for Grade 8 before transferring to Vancouver’s University Hill Secondary, where Whitecaps academy players are schooled.
MLS NEXT is a player development program launched in 2020 “to transform youth soccer in North America.” Membership for the 2022-23 season includes 137 clubs, 628 teams and over 13,000 players across the U.S. and Canada.
The morning MLS NEXT all-star match, which will involve an East/West team format, will be streamed live on TikTok (@mlsnext) starting at at 7:30 a.m. Pacific time. Look for details on mlssoccer.com/mlsnext.
The 44 players were selected by MLS NEXT personnel following the conclusion of the 2023 MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs and Showcase.
Among the players selected to the inaugural all-star game in 2022, 24 have gone on to sign professional contracts including nine as Homegrown players. They include New England’s Esmir Bajraktarevic and Jack Panayotou, along with Inter Miami CF’s Benjamin Cremaschi.
tom.zillich@surreynowleader.com
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