Kingston builds confidence on the soccer field
Kingston started soccer when he was three years old in Little Kickers, a soccer program in Surrey, BC, and later moved, joining the Fort St. John Soccer Club.
His parents knew early on that Kingston would be an athletic kid, and soccer was always the sport.
Kingston was diagnosed with a severe learning disability, anxiety and ADHD when he was young. This provided many challenges both educationally and socially, however, through soccer, he has gained confidence in himself and his abilities as a player.
Kingston says that soccer has helped him in many ways, and he looks forward most to being on the field with his teammates.
Receiving this grant was a huge confidence booster for Kingston, and he is very grateful for it. The NBCIAG relieves some of the financial burdens of travelling to tournaments for Kingston and his family, and he plans to purchase a new soccer ball and goalie gloves for himself with the grant.
Kingston would like to thank his friend, Marius Stoll, for his friendship both on and off the field and for teaching him new footwork tricks. He would also like to thank his coach, Tyler Tremblay, and the FSJ Soccer Club for giving him the opportunity to play competitively. One day, Kingston hopes to be a professional.
Keenan’s commitment allows him to live the Canadian dream
Like many Canadian kids, Keenan started skating at an early age.
He loved skating and playing on his outdoor rink and was registered in Smithers Minor Hockey as soon as he was old enough.
Keenan’s passion for hockey led him to pursue opportunities not available to him in Smithers, as only five other athletes were playing in his age group in town.
Keenan satisfied his desire for higher-level competition by playing spring hockey in Kamloops for two years before making the move full time at the age of 15 to the Cariboo Cougar organization in Prince George.
This is now Keenan’s third season playing away from home. His development has been steady as a result of his commitment and the opportunities available in Prince George resulting in him achieving goals he has set for himself along the way, such as being listed with the WHL Prince George Cougars.
He hopes to make the jump next year to playing major junior hockey full time.
Keenan would like to thank Engage Sport North, Local Rental Solutions, and I·SPARC for offering grants to help support Indigenous athletes in northern BC.
“My family has had to commit a significant amount of money to support me in pursuing my goals and dreams. Having access to programs such as this helps ease that pressure a little,” says Keenan.
Keenan plans to use the grant money to support himself and his family with the fees involved in hockey and possibly some new equipment.
Apply now!
At Engage Sport North, our goal is to reduce barriers and increase participation in sport and physical activity for all members of our communities.
Grants are awarded to Indigenous athletes located in northern BC (as defined on our website) and competing in any sport. Apply now >> Northern BC Indigenous Athlete Grant
For other grant opportunities, visit the funding page on our website.