Columbia Valley Pioneer staff
A local youth is growing up fast . . . at least on the soccer field.
Luca Whittick, 14, has been selected to play for the Elite XI Canadian soccer team in ‘Showcase’ tournaments in the United States. He is reportedly the youngest player on the team.
“I am very excited and honoured to be selected for this opportunity to showcase all of my hard work,” he told the Pioneer.
Luca was referred to the Elite XI team through references from coaches and through video highlights of his play. He hopes to see the highest levels of competition in North America, as well as learn about different schools and academies that he hopes to attend in the future.
Luca wants to continue playing soccer at a high level with the goal of reaching the D1 (the most challenging) level in division soccer.
“My brother Findlay has been a huge part of getting me into soccer; from a young age he would take me to the local soccer field and help me improve my skills and understanding of the game.”
Luca said he has always found business interesting, especially after seeing his brother find success (through Summit Soccer Camps), which has inspired him to look into creating his own programs that can help the community.
“My main career I would love is playing soccer professionally, but other interests include real estate and going to post-secondary school for business.”
Soccer has helped Luca develop his physical and mental abilities on and off the field, leading to friendships all over the world.
He has played on the Columbia Valley Titans team for 11 years, and has also been playing with the Kootenay Whitecaps Academy for the past two years in Cranbrook. In addition, Luca played for the Zone 1 BC Summer games team.
