We are proud to share an outstanding milestone for our SEFA Coquitlam Soccer Academy family: Yuma Tsuji and Sahil Deo have been chosen to represent Canada’s U17 National Team in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. Their journey at SEFA and this recent achievement reflect their unwavering dedication, exceptional skill, and perseverance.
Yuma began his SEFA journey at age 8, while Sahil joined at 11. Over the years, they have shown immense growth, overcoming challenges and consistently displaying passion for soccer. Their talent was key to SEFA’s numerous tournament wins, setting a high standard of excellence. Notably, Yuma was named Best Whitecaps U15 Player in 2023, a testament to his hard work and talent.
Read more about Yuma’s accolade: Whitecaps U15 Best Player.
Their paths to success were unique. Sahil was accepted into the Whitecaps FC Residency program on his first tryout. He played for various clubs in Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam before he Joined Sefa Soccer Academy. Yuma, who wasn’t selected initially, demonstrated resilience and earned his spot a year later through relentless effort. Both have excelled at Whitecaps, playing for the U19 and Whitecaps 2 teams, leading to their selection by the Canadian National Team due to their exceptional leadership and accomplishments.
Canada’s U17 team will travel to Costa Rica for a two-game series against Costa Rica and Mexico, set for November 15 and 18 in San José, Costa Rica. Head Coach Mike Vitulano emphasized the importance of this preparation window: “While brief, this period will be intense and purposeful. These matches will help us build a solid foundation ahead of the World Cup Qualifiers in February.”
Canada has been drawn into Group A for the 2025 Concacaf U-17 Men’s Qualifiers, facing Bermuda, Curacao, Anguilla, and Turks and Caicos Islands in a round-robin format. Group A matches will take place in Bermuda from February 7-16, 2025. FIFA has also announced that the U-17 World Cup will expand to 48 teams and become an annual event starting in 2025, with Qatar hosting the next tournament.
This exciting news adds to the achievements of Yuma and Sahil as they prepare to showcase their skills on the international stage, competing alongside top players from clubs like Toronto FC, Orlando City, and European academies. We are thrilled to see them grow and succeed, embodying SEFA’s commitment to nurturing young talent and guiding players to reach their full potential.
At SEFA Soccer Academy, we are dedicated to developing young athletes in Burnaby, New Westminster, and Coquitlam, providing them with the skills and mentorship needed to excel in youth soccer. Our programs inspire discipline, resilience, and a passion for the sport, laying the foundation for future soccer professionals.
Join us in celebrating Yuma and Sahil’s achievement as we support them on their journey to international success.