Dear Soccer,

Dear Soccer,

‍

You have been part of my story for as long as I can remember.

I started playing as a little girl, full of energy and big dreams. From the first time I stepped onto the field, I felt something special: a sense of belonging, purpose, and pride. I played until I was fourteen, and even as I grew into adulthood, the lessons the game taught me stayed with me: discipline, teamwork, resilience, and heart.

As life unfolded, my journey changed. Living with a disability made it difficult to continue playing the way I once had. There were moments when that loss felt heavy. Soccer had always been my outlet, my strength, and my confidence. Stepping away from the field was not easy.

But soccer was not finished with me.

When my daughter turned four, I laced up her very first pair of cleats. From the sidelines, I found my way back to the game, this time as a mother. Today, she still plays, and soccer has become the bond that connects us in a way words cannot fully describe. The highlight of my day is driving her to and from practice, standing on the sidelines cheering, helping manage her team, and coaching her at home, not just to be a better player, but to be a strong, kind, and resilient person.

On tough days in our family, soccer has been our constant. It has given us structure when life felt uncertain, strength when we felt small, and hope when we needed it most. It has given my daughter confidence, friendships, and dreams. And it has given me the gift of watching her grow through a sport that once shaped me.

Soccer is more than a game in our home. It is consistency. It is connection. It is healing. It is legacy.

As FIFA 2026 approaches, I reflect on how this global sport links generations, how a little girl who once chased a ball across a field can grow up to pass that same passion on to her child. That is the magic of football. It stays with you. It evolves with you. It carries you forward.

Thank you for creating a stage where stories like ours matter, where the love of the game unites families, communities, and generations.

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With gratitude,
Tiffany

Dear Soccer,

‍

I still remember the first time my cleats hit the turf, that bright green carpet that felt like a stage. From that very first whistle, you did not just become a sport. You became my favourite place to be.

You gave me a team that feels like a family and moments that will live in my heart forever. There is nothing like the feeling of a perfect pass or the way we all pile on each other after a goal. You gave me the turf burns that I wear like badges of honour, and the sound of the ball hitting the back of the net, which is the best song I have ever heard. Most of all, you gave me a place where I can be loud, fast, and strong, a place where I can fully be myself.

You taught me that I am tougher than I look. Because of you, I know how to pick myself up when I trip or lose the ball. I do not stay down. I sprint back. You taught me to trust myself even when the game is moving fast and to keep my head up. You also showed me how to win and lose, how to celebrate with my friends, and how to walk off the field with my head held high even when the scoreboard does not go our way.

You matter to me because you are where I found my confidence. Whether I am playing under the bright lights or practicing drills until the sun goes down, you are the heartbeat of my week. Even when I grow up and my cleats get bigger, I will never forget the magic of a clean breakaway or the way the air feels when I am running full speed toward the goal.

I will always see you at kickoff.

Thank you for all that you have given me. You are magic.

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Love,
Ayla Kang

Dear Soccer,

‍

You have always been a huge part of my life.

It began in England in elementary school at Gayton Avenue School, then continued in Sunday league with Littleover Dazzlers. Before moving to Canada at 13, soccer was already part of who I was.

Just weeks after arriving in Winnipeg, I played in my first tournament in Calgary. From there, the journey continued through junior high at Sargent Park and high school at Daniel McIntyre. I also played on a Winnipeg rep team called Rebel United and travelled to Sarasota, Florida for exhibition games.

Later, I moved to Kelowna, BC and kept playing through Men’s O35, O45, O55, and now O60s.

Today, one of the greatest joys soccer has given me is the chance to coach my son in Special Olympics. Taking a team of athletes to Whitehorse, Yukon and winning a tournament there is a memory I will always treasure.

You have always been, and will forever be, part of my heart and my family.

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With love for the beautiful game,
Stephen

Dear Soccer,

‍

You are more than a game to me. You are joy, connection, and a reminder that even in difficult places, people can come together and celebrate something beautiful.

During my years as a pediatric nurse at Abbotsford Regional Hospital, I found a special way to share my love for you. When the FIFA World Cup arrived in 2018 and again in 2022, I decided to bring the excitement of the tournament into our hospital unit.

No one asked me to do it. I simply loved watching the world’s best players compete and wanted to share that energy with our young patients, their families, and my fellow staff.

Soon, our unit was filled with the spirit of the World Cup. I decorated the halls with soccer flags, posters, and colours from around the world. I organized fun staff pools and created beautiful prize baskets donated by generous corporate partners who were more than willing to join in the fun. I even brought in soccer themed baked treats to add to the celebration.

But the real magic was seeing how you lifted people’s spirits.

Children facing difficult days could talk about their favourite teams and players and enter their names in draws. Parents, exhausted and stressed, found moments of laughter and connection. Staff looked forward to coming to work each day to see the latest scores and join in the friendly competition.

For a few weeks, the hospital halls felt lighter.

That is the gift you give, Soccer. You bring people together in ways that go far beyond the field. You create hope, community, and joy in places where they are needed most.

My love for the beautiful game even inspired me to apply for a once in a lifetime opportunity: volunteering for the FIFA World Cup 2026. When I was offered a role, I felt incredibly honoured to be part of welcoming the world to Vancouver.

From a pediatric hospital unit filled with soccer decorations to the excitement of the World Cup coming to my own city, you have brought so much joy into my life.

And that is why, to me, you will always be more than a game.

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With Gratitude,
Betty Johnson

Dear Soccer,

‍

You have been far more than a game to our family. You have been a lifeline.

From barefoot fields in Uganda to competitive pitches in Canada, you carried us across cultures and into community. Through you, our children found belonging, courage, and lifelong friendships. You opened doors we never imagined and helped shape who they are becoming.

You did not just give us memories. You helped shape our family’s story, and this is just the beginning.

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With deep gratitude,
Carli

Dear Soccer,

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From the moment I lost my father, I knew you would still be there for me, just as you had been there for him so many times before.

Late nights on darkening pitches with him became training days and matches without him, but you were always there. Through the highs and the lows, the losses and the wins, one thing has stayed constant: you.

The beautiful game gave me a side of my father that I will cherish forever. Behind the man who was meant to stay strong for his family was someone with dreams, and through soccer, I got to know that part of him too.

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Forever grateful,
Kellan

Dear Soccer,

‍

I do not remember the first day I saw you, but I remember the feeling you gave me.

It was the sound of a ball hitting the ground on a dusty street, the excitement of running with friends after school, and the dream that maybe one day we could play like the heroes we watched on TV. Soccer was never just a game. It was a language everyone understood without speaking.

You taught me more than goals and passes. You taught me patience when we lost, courage when the match was tied, and belief when the clock was running down. Some days were muddy fields and tired legs. Other days were moments of pure joy, when the ball hit the net and the whole world felt lighter.

Even when life became busy and responsibilities grew, my love for the game never left. Every match, every cheer from the crowd, and every last-minute goal remind me why soccer is so special. It connects people from every country, every culture, and every background.

Now, as the world prepares to gather for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, it feels like the game that began on small fields and streets is bringing the whole world together once again.

And no matter where life takes me, one thing will always stay the same:
Soccer will always feel like home.

Thank you for the memories, and for the dreams that are still alive.

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Always,
Jaskaran

Dear Soccer,

‍

I am not very confident speaking English, but I would really love to go to a World Cup match because soccer is my favourite sport.

I have played soccer for as long as I can remember. My grandfather once promised me that we would go to a World Cup together, but it never happened. Now that he has passed away, I want to fulfill that dream for him and for myself.

That is why I am so eager to go to a World Cup match.

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With love,
Daniel

Dear Soccer,

‍

From the dusty pitches of Lagos in elementary school to the rainy mornings in Vancouver, you have been my one constant.

You taught me that every muddy cleat and every heartbreak is just a setup for joy. You are the heartbeat of home and the spirit of my new city.

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For the love of the game, I will always show up,
Tobi

Dear Soccer,

‍

You have shaped my life.

When I was young, I made the decision to chase the dream of becoming a professional player. That journey taught me discipline, resilience, and the power of consistency. At 18, I moved to Spain to pursue that vision and spent a year and a half chasing it. While it did not unfold the way I imagined, the game still gave me so much.

When I returned to Canada, I stayed connected to the sport and began coaching. Over the past four years, helping players develop their skills and mindset has become a passion of mine. Now, I am surrounded by boxes, preparing to drive to Kelowna to start my soccer development business, Level Up.

When I was younger, I thought that if you did not make it professionally, what was the point. But soccer taught me that the game is about much more: the memories, the friendships, the lessons, and the joy it continues to bring. Every time I step on the field, I fall in love with it again.

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Still in love with the game,
Sammy

Dear Soccer,

‍

My love for you started long before I understood how powerful a game could be. Growing up, my family did not have a lot of money, so there were not many chances to join extracurricular activities. But through elementary school and high school, soccer was always there for me. It did not cost much, but what it gave me meant everything.

On dusty fields and patches of worn grass, I found more than just a sport. I found a place where I belonged. I found teammates who became lifelong friends. We ran until the sun went down, celebrated the smallest victories, and learned how to lose with grace and come back the next day ready to try again. Every practice and every game helped shape the person I was becoming.

Soccer gave me memories I still carry with me today: the laughter in the locker room, the rush of scoring a goal, and the quiet pride of getting a little better each day. It taught me about teamwork, resilience, and the joy of working toward something bigger than yourself.

Some of my most meaningful moments with soccer did not even happen on the field. They happened at home. Whenever the World Cup came around, it brought my family together. We gathered around the TV, cheering, arguing over calls, and celebrating goals like we were right there in the stadium. Those moments made the game feel like more than just a sport. It became part of our family.

The World Cup showed me that soccer was bigger than any one player, team, or country. It connects people from all over the world, across different languages and cultures. And in our living room, it connected us too.

Looking back now, I realize soccer gave me so much more than something to do after school. It gave me friendships that lasted, memories I will never forget, and moments with my family that I will always treasure.

For a kid who did not have much, soccer gave me everything that mattered.And for that, I will always love the beautiful game.

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A lifelong fan,
Mandy

Dear Soccer,

‍

I am 100 percent a soccer mom. Every weekend, we are at the pitch with my daughter or my son. In all types of weather, on holidays, and on Sundays, soccer is our church.

Soccer has given our family connection and a true love for sport. I was never allowed to play when I was younger because my mom did not want to stand in the rain. I refused to be that kind of mom.

Rain, shine, snow, or hail, I am on the sidelines cheering as both my kids excel at a sport they truly love.

Soccer, you are a beautiful game, and we cannot wait to watch you in Vancouver.

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See you on the sidelines,
Christy

Dear Soccer,

‍

I started playing soccer at the age of three, and I have always loved the game.

My dream is to become a professional soccer player and represent Canada at the World Cup one day. Every day, I keep working to make that dream come true, whether that means resting, writing down what I need to improve on, or putting in the work on the field.

My love for soccer grows stronger every day, and I will keep working hard to make my dream a reality.

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Chasing the dream,
Joshua

Dear Soccer,

‍

You gave me new friends, new memories, time with family, and the chance to be part of a team. My life would be so different without you.

My first live match gave me a feeling of excitement and euphoria. Here’s to many more years of friendship, memories, bruises, scrapes, excitement, joy, and even the occasional loss. I would never want it any other way.

Dear Soccer, you have brought me some of the best joys of my life.

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Sincerely,
Cheryl

Dear Soccer,

‍

It has been almost 40 years already.

From Sunday morning matches on muddy, waterlogged fields in England to Wembley Stadium, BC Place, and everywhere in between, you have been there through it all.

There have been moments of euphoria, the feeling of scoring a goal, last-minute winners, and cup final victories. There have also been defeats, injuries, and the heartbreak of penalty shootouts.

Most importantly, soccer gave me the chance to share it all with my family, my friends, and strangers from all over the world. Through soccer, I found a place where I belong.

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Through it all,
Andrew

Dear Soccer,

‍

I still remember the excitement in South Africa when the FIFA World Cup was hosted there in 2010. There was such a buzz across the country, and it was a special feeling to witness that moment.

Later that same year, in November 2010, I arrived in Vancouver. Now, 16 years later, being part of another FIFA World Cup host city feels like a full-circle moment, especially with the family I have built here in Vancouver.

I am deeply grateful for this experience. I work every day in the DTES, and it means a lot to be part of something that brings so much joy and connection to the city.

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With gratitude,
Risha

Dear Soccer,

‍

I started playing at 10, when my club finally got a girls team. You carried me through youth soccer, through university, and eventually into coaching, first my kids, and now the next generation.

At almost 50, I still play. Through you, I have built lifelong friendships, stayed active, and learned leadership and resilience.

I want the girls I coach to see those same possibilities: confidence, community, and the belief that the game can take them further than they ever thought possible.

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Still playing, still believing,
T. Niki

Dear Soccer,

‍

Thank you for giving my son the opportunity to make friends and fall in love with the game.

We moved to BC last year, and my son was having a hard time adjusting and making friends. Today, he loves soccer. He gets up bright and early to practise his footwork, and he recently scored his very first goal.

He is eight years old and only just started playing, as we did not have soccer leagues back in our hometown in Manitoba.

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Love,
A Soccer Mom

Dear Soccer,

‍

I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you.

There were times in my life when things felt heavy and uncertain, when motivation was hard to find and the days felt longer than they should. Whether it was watching a game, thinking about my favourite teams, or simply remembering the joy the sport brings, soccer gave me something to hold on to.

It reminded me that there is always another half, another chance, another comeback. Just like a match can change in a few minutes, life can turn around too. The passion, the unity, and the hope that the game brings helped me stay positive when I needed it most.

Thank you for being more than just a sport. Thank you for being a source of strength, inspiration, and joy when I needed it most.

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Thank you for being there,
Pritish

Dear Soccer,

‍

Growing up, it was never really an option not to love the beautiful game. My older brothers played, my mom played, and my Opa taught us his skills.

As far back as I can remember, I have been competing in soccer leagues here in BC. I even made it into higher competitive leagues before I was forced to hang up my cleats because of family matters.

Around that time, I lost my love for the game. But ever since the announcement that the World Cup is coming to Vancouver, that spark has come back.

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Isaiah

Dear Soccer,

‍

You pull me in with your rhythm, emotion, and the way a single moment can change everything.

The World Cup amplifies that feeling, uniting countries and turning every match into a story of pride, hope, and possibility. I love how you bring the world together and make even strangers feel connected through the game.

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With hope,
Daniel

Dear Soccer,

‍

I started to admire the beautiful game when Beckham rose to prominence in Europe.

Time passed. Great players came and went, and then I got to see Messi play live. Watching him felt like poetry in motion, a kind of magic that made football feel new to me all over again.

Now, we are about to witness many of our generation’s stars in what could be their final World Cup. Bring on FIFA 2026.

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Ready for kickoff,
Dave

Dear Soccer,

‍

How perfect it is that you are coming to my city, where football culture continues to grow.

I hope women’s football reaches new heights here and around the world. Thank you for giving us hope, joy, comfort, and entertainment, and for being the embodiment of such an inclusive, amazing sport.

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All love,
Anamta

Dear Soccer,

‍

You found me on damp Vancouver fields and turned cold air into breathless magic.

You taught me to rise after every fall, to trust my teammates, and to dream beyond the scoreboard. You stitched my life to distant nations and made strangers feel like family.

No matter where the World Cup goes, my heart will always follow you.

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Mark

Dear Soccer,

‍

You have been part of my life for as long as I can remember. You and I share memories from so many different stages of my life.

Let’s make more great memories together.

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Looking ahead,
Tony

Dear Soccer,

‍

Every soccer story starts somewhere.

Mine started in the early mornings, when the field was still wet and the grass stuck to my cleats. It started with a ball that was a little too old, and friends who believed every game was a World Cup final.

Soccer taught me more than how to score goals. It taught me patience when we lost. It taught me confidence when I finally made the pass that changed the game. It taught me that the best moments are not always the goals. Sometimes they are the laughs after practice, the muddy jerseys, and the teammates who become family.

There were heartbreaks too. Games we should have won. Chances I wish I could replay. But that is the beauty of the game: it always gives you another match, another moment, another chance.

Soccer gave me discipline, memories, and a place where I always feel like I belong.

And no matter where life takes me, one thing will always be true:

I will always be a player of the beautiful game.

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Always in the game,
Aysar

Dear Soccer,

‍

My nonno put a ball at my feet when I was three, and somehow, you never let go.

From muddy Vancouver mornings to Whitecaps nights, from meeting Alphonso Davies to chasing games across local fields and even in Portugal, you gave me discipline, resilience, and a place to belong.

I am just a left back who fell in love early. But honestly, you have always been my world.

‍

Always,
Jacob

Dear Soccer,

‍

I can hardly contain my excitement as the World Cup comes to Vancouver. The thought of witnessing the world’s best teams, the roar of the crowd, and the magic of football on our home turf fills me with pure joy.

I have dreamed of this moment for years, and knowing it is finally here makes my heart race. The energy, the passion, the unity, it all feels unforgettable.

Thank you for bringing this incredible moment to our city. I cannot wait to cheer, celebrate, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

‍

Yours in football,
Mithun Ramesh

Dear Soccer,

‍

At five years old, I did not really understand how to play the game, but I loved soccer because there was always ice cream.

At 13, I was awkward, but indoor soccer on rainy days gave me a place to shine.

At 21, I moved to Ireland on my own, joined a rec league, and found a family.

At 28, I organized the company team and coached an incredible group all the way to the semifinals.

At 39, I went on a first date to a Whitecaps match with the person who is now my life partner.

At 41, I have cheered from the stands in more than seven countries.

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Soccer is life.
Elisa

Dear Soccer,

‍

In Vancouver, you live in our parks, our schoolyards, and our rainy afternoons.

You are muddy cleats and laughter on wet grass. You are strangers becoming teammates, and teammates becoming friends. In a city filled with people from every corner of the world, you speak a language everyone understands.

You remind us that joy can be simple: just a ball, a field, and people coming together.

As Vancouver prepares to welcome the world for the FIFA World Cup, the love for the game has already been growing here for years.

And it all starts with a single kick.

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With joy,
Ratsarin

Dear Soccer,

‍

I remember when Brazil won its fifth World Cup, and the celebration that filled the streets of Brazil. I was a teenager then, but I still remember the feeling of excitement as my dad drove us around while everyone honked, cheered, waved Brazil flags, and played our national anthem loudly on the radio.

Every four years, I hope we will feel that again.

I want the chance to experience that kind of joy once more and to show the world how amazing this game can be, and how it can bring an entire nation together.

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With hope,
Gabriela

Dear Soccer,

‍

What do I even write about you?

You have made me laugh, and you have made me cry. You have made me feel every emotion possible. This sport is my life, and without it, something always feels missing.

I remember when I got injured, it felt worse than a breakup. But through it all, soccer has given me friendships that have lasted to this day, people I still play with and still share the game with.

I love soccer, and to me, soccer is life.

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Shivnesh

Dear Soccer,

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You showed me how the game could teach my daughters the values of teamwork, perseverance, and hard work.

I took them to their practices and games, and one rainy game day has always stayed with me. At halftime, the referee asked if the teams wanted to call it a draw. I was in awe of all the players who chose to finish the game through the pouring rain and showed what the love of the game truly means.

I am proud to say that both of my daughters used the skills they developed through soccer to become teachers. Today, they know how to inspire others.

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With pride,
Gurmail

Dear Soccer,

‍

I was bullied in elementary school, and soccer became my escape. On the field, the noise disappeared. It was just the ball, the grass, and a chance to breathe.

Through early mornings and muddy cleats, I found confidence and true friends. Years later, our team made it to Provincials.

Soccer did more than shape my childhood. It gave me a place where I belonged.

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With strength,
Veer

Dear Soccer,

‍

I grew up playing every day after school. Before long, I was hooked and started watching an unhealthy amount of matches during the week and on weekends.

You live in my head rent-free. I still remember when Canada won the bid to co-host the World Cup. I was overjoyed.

Even my wife is jealous of our love, haha. To watch Canada at the World Cup would be beyond my wildest dreams.

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With love,
Kay

Dear Soccer,

‍

You have always been more than a game to me. You are the sound of kids playing in the street, the feeling of hope before a big match, and the joy that spreads through a crowd when a goal is scored. You bring people together in a way very few things in the world can.

You have the power to turn strangers into friends and cities into families for ninety minutes. Every pass, every save, and every goal carries a story. Sometimes you break our hearts. Sometimes you give us moments we will remember for the rest of our lives.

With the World Cup coming to Vancouver in 2026, it feels like something special is on the horizon. The world will gather here, with different cultures and different dreams all connected by the same love for the beautiful game. It will not only be about football. It will be about the memories we create together.

Thank you for the passion, the drama, the celebrations, and the belief that anything is possible.

See you in 2026.

‍

With love,
Amesh

Dear Soccer,

‍

I have played soccer all my life. Through the game, I have made many friends and had so much fun.

Staying fit and active through soccer has also been essential to my well-being.

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Best,
Stephen

Dear Soccer,

‍

You brought me and my spouse together. You bring unity and genuine love to your followers.

The passion I feel when watching a winning team takes away my worries. With a glass of beer or wine, and while embracing the diversity of cultures around the game, I am reminded why soccer will always be my favourite sport.

I am glad that the city of Vancouver is honoured to host the world in 2026.

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With joy,
Omoleye

Dear Soccer,

‍

You changed my life.

Growing up, I remember the early morning games, team sleepovers, the hard wins, and the sad losses. The best part was all the tournaments I got to play in across the United States and Canada.

I was lucky enough to play striker with Christine Sinclair for five years. Some of the best days of my life were spent on that pitch. Teammates became lifelong friends, and coaches became role models in my life.

Soccer is not just a game. It is a way of life, and I am so proud that I got to live it.

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With pride,
Nicole

Dear Soccer,

‍

In uncertain times, you still steady me.

I feel it at Whitecaps matches at BC Place, walking in and hearing the Southsiders already going. Strangers beside me, one voice. A through ball, a half chance, that split second before the finish.

In 2026, the World Cup comes to Vancouver. Different flags, one game.

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See you at kickoff,
Peter

You are an amazing sport and have been a prominent part of my life.
With appreciation,

‍
Clarissa

Dear Soccer,

‍

My love for the game started when I was four years old, watching the older kids play at East Van’s Garden Park.

By the time I was five, I was playing in that same park as part of Grandview Legion, and it was such a fun time. Watching World Cups and league matches on TV, I was always in awe of the skill and beauty of the game.

Going to 86’ers and Whitecaps games as a kid was always a good time. My passion for soccer started when I was young and has stayed with me into adulthood.

Soccer truly is a game that brings us together.

‍

See you on the pitch,
Remo

Dear Soccer,

‍

I have always loved watching soccer because it has been my passion for the past 12 years.

I have always supported the Mexican national team because Mexico is my mom’s country.

I am excited for the World Cup to be held in Vancouver, and I hope to buy tickets one day.

‍

Regards,
Amir Persaud-Barranco

Dear Soccer,

‍

I was born in East Vancouver to Irish immigrant parents, and there is even a family photo of me as a child with a ball in my hand.

I played for St. Patrick’s Elementary and later for the Seminary of Christ the King in Mission, BC.

You were there through Mt. Seymour, Lynn Valley, and Lions Gate, and through the building of North Van FC. You were there too as we cheered on the Mountain United FC ’02 boys as they competed in five Provincials and two Nationals.

May our memories live on forever.

‍

With gratitude,
John

Dear Soccer,

‍

I was born in Los Angeles to two British parents. When my family moved to Vancouver, we fell on hard times, and Carl Valentine took me in.

Football gave me discipline and direction. I later played under Carl in the North Shore Premier Player Program and even travelled to Austria through the game.

Today, I work in capital markets, have invested in clubs in Portugal, Canada, and the UK, and support underprivileged kids, just as Carl once supported me.

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With gratitude,
Danny

Dear Soccer,

‍

You gave me a job, but you were always so much more than employment.

You gave me the chance to meet my professional heroes, to be pitch side at major international and professional club matches, to travel internationally, to meet friends I now consider family, and to build a lifelong career.

Now you have given me the chance to move my life halfway across the world to work in the beautiful game in Vancouver, where I can watch my home nation, New Zealand, compete in their first Men’s World Cup in 16 years.

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With gratitude,
Shannon

Dear Soccer,

‍

I am the girl who watched Maradona dazzle at the 1986 FIFA World Cup with my dad. His “Goal of the Century” against England still mesmerizes me. I defended Pelé with my mom through every brutal foul, dreaming of one day seeing legends live.

That girl grew up, cheered for a young Messi in the Copa América, dressed her son in jerseys, and wept over national team heartbreaks. Still, the dreams endured.

At 51, I fled Venezuela and came to Canada as a refugee. Through all of life’s hardships, the 2026 World Cup being hosted here has given me something powerful to hold onto. With matches in Toronto and Vancouver, that dream now feels real.

Soccer is not just a game. It is hope for millions, joy in the midst of tears, unity across borders, and the childhood dreams that stay alive despite time and wrinkles.

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With hope,
Johanna

Dear Soccer,

‍

I have been watching soccer for 12 years, and it has become a big part of my life. I love the passion that soccer gives me. I am excited that Vancouver is going to host the World Cup. The World Cup has always meant a lot to me, and I cannot wait to experience that excitement here in our city.

‍

Regards,
Amir

Dear Soccer,

‍

You were my first language before I knew how to explain myself. You taught me how to show up, even when I was nervous, and how to try again when I was not proud of my last touch.

You have been early mornings and late nights, muddy socks and happy tears. You have been the reason strangers became teammates, and the reason a city can feel like one big community for 90 minutes.

Now Vancouver is getting ready to welcome the world, and I keep thinking about what you have always done best: bringing people together. From the sidelines to the stands, from neighbourhood parks to the biggest stages, you remind us that we are better when we move as one.

Thank you for the lessons, the friendships, and the joy. We will be ready for you in 2026.

‍

With love,
A Vancouver fan

Dear Soccer,

‍

Growing up in Indonesia, I stayed up many nights just to watch you.

I was seven when I watched the 2010 World Cup. I woke up at 5 a.m. for the 2014 final and cried when Argentina lost. I watched the 2022 final in Taiwan right before an exam. I flunked it, but Argentina won, so I was not even sad.

Now, in Vancouver, even without a ticket, I feel closer than ever. As a girl who grew up loving a sport that many people thought was only for boys, thank you for bringing me joy and connecting me to the world.

‍

With love,
Marisa E.

Dear Soccer,

‍

My father and I never missed a World Cup match. When I was a child, he would wake me up at night, wrap a blanket around me, and say, “Tonight, you’ll understand why football is magic.”

We dreamt of one day going to a stadium and watching a game together, but sadly, he passed away before that could happen. If I could go, I would not just be going for me. I would be carrying our dream and his memory into that stadium.

‍

For you Dad,
Sarkis M.

Dear Soccer,

‍

You are fun because you are fast-paced, exciting and make it easy for anyone to play. All you need is a ball and some space, which makes you accessible in parks, schools and backyards.

You keep people active through running, passing and teamwork. Scoring a goal feels exciting and rewarding, especially when it comes after great teamwork.

You also help build friendships because players need to communicate, trust one another and work together.

‍

See you on the field,
Stephen T.

Dear Soccer,

‍

I was just four-years-old when my family left India and arrived in Canada in 1972, settling in the Vancouver area. Everything felt new and overwhelming: the cold weather, different language and unfamiliar faces. As immigrants building a new life in Surrey, my parents worked hard to provide for us and I was trying to find my place in this vast city.

Then, at age eight, something magical happened that changed everything. On July 7, 1975, I saw Pelé play live in Vancouver.

The legendary Brazilian star, newly signed by the New York Cosmos, faced the Vancouver Whitecaps in an exhibition match at Empire Stadium. More than 26,000 people packed the stands that day, a record crowd for soccer in the area at the time. I was mesmerized. Watching Pelé move across the pitch with such grace and power ignited something in me. Soccer was no longer just a game. It became a bridge to belonging and a way to connect with something bigger than my daily struggles as a newcomer.

Inspired by that moment, I started playing organized soccer at a young age, with my dad coaching my team. The field became my second home. I trained, practiced and fell in love with the rhythm of the game, the quick passes, the teamwork and the thrill of scoring or making the perfect tackle. Soccer gave me confidence and a sense of purpose in a place where I sometimes felt like an outsider.

By my teenage years, the sport had become deeply intertwined with my Punjabi community. At 16, I became captain of Team Khalsa, a proud moment made even more meaningful because my dad had played for the same team years earlier. Khalsa Sporting Club, established in the 1960s, was more than a soccer team. It was a gathering place for our community. Through practices, matches, tournaments and post-game conversations, we stayed connected to our roots while building our lives in Canada.

In 1984, I was selected to the Vancouver Selects U18 team, made up of some of the best players in the city. Later, I also won the BC Championships with Langara College in 1987. My family is still proud of those moments and so am I.

Soccer also gave my dad and I a full circle experience when our Khalsa team travelled to Punjab, India for tournaments in 1994 and 1999. Those trips meant a great deal to us, especially because so many of the original players came from that region. Teammates became brothers. We shared laughs on the sidelines, supported each other through wins and losses, and kept our culture alive in a new country. Soccer kept our community close. It became a vital thread in our immigrant story.

Over the decades, the game kept me fit and grounded. It was my outlet for stress, my source of joy and one of the great constants in my life.

When I retired from playing at 40, it left a real void. I missed the physical rush of the game, the locker room camaraderie and the conversations after a hard fought match. Even now, watching a game live or kicking a ball around casually brings all of those memories back.

Soccer did not just impact my life. It shaped it. It helped a young immigrant boy find his footing, honoured my family’s legacy, strengthened our Punjabi community and gave me decades of friendship, health and purpose. Though I no longer play, I still love watching the game live and everything it gave me remains with me.

For that, I will always be grateful.

‍

Forever a fan,
Inderjeet G.

Dear Soccer,

‍

I did not love you at first, but you shaped me.

From early mornings in the gym to late nights on the pitch with Fusion FC, you taught me discipline, resilience, and humility. You gave me heartbreak in losses, joy in celebrating goals with teammates, and even the sadness of watching from the bench.

Winning the Men’s B Provincial Cup as a youth player taught me belief. Losing a loved one was crushing, but stepping on the field and messing around with my teammates always helped clear my head.

You are part of me, always.

‍

Thank you,
Austin V.

Dear Soccer,

‍

I grew up loving the game as a young boy. My granddad coached the Imperial Cup winners in Burnaby, and from the very beginning, I was hooked. I loved everything about it: the smell of the locker room, the buzz of players getting ready on match day, and the anticipation all week long. I hated winter cancellations and would count the days until the next game.

It did not matter what level I reached, even though I always dreamt of becoming a professional. I had the privilege of playing for my granddad, Joe Page, alongside coach Brian Simons, and those years were brilliant. I played throughout the Fraser Valley with club teams and the All Star team, attended Vancouver Whitecaps camps at UBC, watched the early Whitecaps train, and went to games at Empire. I lived and breathed the game.

In 1981, I was fortunate enough to make the BC Under 23 Canada Games team, and together with my teammates, we won a gold medal, an experience I will never forget. With guidance from people like Alan Churchyard and Alan Errington, I found my way to Simon Fraser University, where I helped bring an NAIA Championship back to the university.

Not long after, I faced my first serious setback: a torn ACL. The recovery was long and demanding, but with the support of physio Alex McKechnie and the SFU training staff, I made a full recovery within a year. I never lost hope of returning to the game I truly loved or of one day making it to the professional level.

After SFU, I joined Club Ireland in the Pacific Coast League and created many lasting memories with teammates, coaches, family, and friends, including Danny Burns, George Roberts, and Des McDonald.

As the years passed, life took its course. I got married, had children, and slowly, my dream of becoming a professional player faded. But my love for the game never did. I continued to play well into my 50s, holding onto the joy it brought me every time I stepped onto the pitch.

Soccer has given me so much: friendships, memories, lessons, and a lifetime of stories. I cherish the teammates I shared those moments with and the laughter we still carry when we meet, often over a round of golf, reminiscing about the good old days.

I may have missed out on playing professionally, but I would not trade what the game has given me for anything. I will always look back, smile, and be grateful.

The beautiful game.

‍

Yours always,
Cal T.

Dear Soccer,

‍

I am dedicating this letter not only to soccer, but also to my dad.

My dad introduced me to this beautiful game when I was four years old. I am now 25, and I have him to thank for all the heart, dedication, and pride he instilled in me through the game.

From countless early mornings to supporting me in the rain, shine, or snow, he always pushed me to be my best and leave everything on the field. He was always there, not only as my dad, but also as my coach.

He dedicated his life to seeing me succeed and did whatever it took to be there for me.

‍

With love,
Makenzy S.

Dear Soccer,

‍

I started watching TV when it was black and white. Then came a floor model that flashed in color, which helped me see Pelé better. I enjoyed watching Brazil because their jerseys were the same as Pelé’s. I saw him once. As soon as he got the ball, the crowd grew louder, and every player did something different, especially the other team, who seemed to send everyone at him at once. But he was able to get by them all.

He then waited for others from his team to arrive. Evading every one of them with passes to himself, he dazzled my eyes with footwork while maintaining control of the ball by himself. No one could make a clear tackle until someone tackled him from behind to capture it, but it only lasted for roughly three seconds. Pelé then proceeded to run circles around every member until he was bored, then he scored.

He remained my favorite for a while as he healed from being attacked by members of the opposite team.

Back then, West Germany played the “Baby Blues.” I was 3 years old, teaching myself how to read, so it was not easy for me to roll the r for Argentina. I really loved to watch them because they had my new favorite player, who could run super fast, which I found out when I first saw him touch the ball at the start of a game.

He scored a strike from midfield. The whistle was blown, he passed the ball to a teammate, who immediately returned it to number 7, who was kicked from behind onto the ground. He was harassed until the sound of a whistle ending the first half. The violence shown to him got me so sad I cried.

I could not wait to see him when he returned. I was able to look up and try to smile. I thought to him that I cried while he was gone. He immediately experienced jeers and taunts from the crowd. Then I asked him in my thoughts if he was fast enough to outrun them all, to shake his head yes or no. He nodded to say yes. I told him to outrun them all, and I would help by alerting him when approached from behind.

He took off so fast when the whistle blew that the camera had trouble catching up. When they did, the tag team began. He danced by everyone he could see in front of him, including from the side. Then he was double and triple teamed, and he told me to inform him of how many and what direction. I could not understand Spanish, so I frantically searched for a player who spoke good enough English. I found one, then demanded he tell me what Maradona said.

The player said, “I do not have to tell nothing. Who are you?”

I said, “I am his friend. If you do not tell me, I will alert him by telling him your number and trying to get other players to pinch their lips.”

The crowd caught on, and Maradona caught on. He was the smartest player on the pitch, even smarter than most of the journalists. He figured out that a 3 year old kid used telekinesis to send a message to him. He looked at the camera and gave a thumbs up, then scored another goal, the last of the match.

Go Baby Blues!

I said Maradona is my favorite, and Pelé frowned at the camera and shrugged. He smiled afterward that it was okay.

‍

Always,
Alonzo C.

Dear Soccer,

‍

I love the game because, throughout the years, it has brought me so many friends and happy moments. It taught me commitment and how to be a team player.

That has helped me in both my personal life and my work life, and it has kept me healthy and in shape. Soccer has given me so much that I do not know how I could ever repay it, but one day I hope my future kids will have the opportunity to enjoy it too.

‍

With gratitude,
Edison V.

Dear Soccer and Dear Vancouver,

‍

When my son was born in 1990, and later decided to play soccer at the age of six, our journey with the game truly began. He played until he was 19.

At that time, I was 36 years old and decided to get my coaching license through a German soccer school with the DFB, the German Soccer Federation. I started with a small team, and they grew into very good players. I also continued my training through a private soccer school.

After three years, I began running my own soccer camps for children. Over seven years, I worked with around 1,000 kids.

After an accident, I found another way to stay connected to the game by volunteering. My first major event was the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Germany, where I worked in accreditation and doping control. Since then, I have continued volunteering at UEFA and regional events, most recently at the Women’s Euro in St. Gallen, Switzerland.

I have now applied to volunteer in Vancouver and hope I might still have the chance to be part of it. I love this game deeply in my heart, and by then I will be 67. I also love the beauty of Canada, its landscape and nature.

I send you my wishes for fun, health, peace, and a world class event filled with smiling faces.

‍

Kind regards,
Horst B.

Dear Soccer,

‍

The love of the game has connected my grandad, my dad, and me.

Now that my dad has passed, I carry his passion for his national team and his club team with me. I still hear his voice when I think about the times he coached me as a kid.

A part of him lives on through me and through the beautiful game. Soccer taught me the value of teamwork, leadership, and above all, self confidence.

My passion for the game will never stop.

‍

With love,
Cameron J.

Dear Soccer,

‍

Beautiful game, you unite us all.

One of the most beautiful things about you is that you do not require citizenship. I can support any national team, and I can be a fan of any player.

You inspired me to travel across Europe to watch soccer matches.

Dear Soccer, see you on June 26 in Vancouver.

Thank you to FIFA, UEFA, and the game itself for giving me so much fun, excitement, and celebration.

I am waiting for your big festival.

‍

See you in Vancouver,
Amola J.

Dear Soccer,

‍

I have no idea where to begin.

In ways that others have not, you have supported me. I turn to you when things feel unclear, when life gets hectic, and when I do not know what I am doing. It becomes just me, the ball, and a silent understanding.

You have also put me to the test.

When I thought I was ready, you humbled me. You have shown me my shortcomings, in my decision making, my confidence, and my positioning. At times, you made me wonder if I was truly built for this. But for some reason, that is what keeps drawing me back. Deep down, I know you are shaping me.

Every run, every touch, every mistake, it is all part of something bigger.

I have had those moments when everything makes sense, when I am flowing, and when I feel like I belong on the field. They may be rare, but they exist. And they remind me why I chose you.

Or maybe why you chose me.

I am still learning. Still growing. Still searching for something I cannot quite put into words. But I know I am not done with you. Not even close.

No matter how hard it gets or how many doubts come up, I will keep showing up. I will keep working. I will keep believing.

For me, this is more than just a game.

It is part of who I am.

‍

Always yours,
Tochi N.

Dear Soccer,

‍

You have been part of me for as long as I can remember. Every time I step on the field, everything else fades away.

You have been there on my best days and my worst days, teaching me to keep going no matter what. In every touch, I feel like myself again.

You are not just a game to me. You are my escape, my peace, and my home.

‍

Always yours,
Anmol P.

Dear Soccer,

‍

Sport has been a huge part of my life since the day I was born. I grew up surrounded by fandoms of hockey and football, but soccer came into my life a little later.

The Whitecaps sparked an interest that grew into a love for the World Cup, and now, with a tournament coming to home soil, I am ready and waiting.

‍

Ready and waiting,
Alec R.

Dear Soccer,

‍

My name is Damario Pinder, and when I first started playing at four years old, I did not really know what I was doing. But as time went on, I started trying harder, and I always loved playing full field soccer. No matter how old I was, I loved the sport.

I loved it so much that I started coaching soccer when I was 15 years old. I am 19 now, and I still dream every day about playing in a more competitive league.

I remember one tournament where I always wore number 13. My uncle George was my inspiration to be better and try harder. We lost every game in that tournament, but we still won in teamwork.

Thank you for taking the time to read this letter.

‍

Cheers,
Damario P.

Dear Soccer,

‍

This will be my first World Cup since moving from England to Canada.

It is a game I have grown up playing, poorly, and watching, as England get knocked out on penalties.

The game is so ingrained in the social fabric of the UK that I used to wonder whether it could feel the same anywhere else. Yet this summer, I will proudly be calling football soccer, decked out in red and white, singing the Canadian national anthem with millions of others, all while hoping for glory for both my home and adopted home.

It truly is the global game.

‍

Forever and Always,
Stephen J.

Dear Soccer,

‍

I write this letter on behalf of my 9 year old son and his late father.

My husband lived for the game throughout his life, connecting with so many interesting people from all over the world through it. He even fulfilled a dream of attending the 2002 World Cup in Korea as a correspondent for Inside Soccer.

Ten years ago, while I was pregnant with our son, my husband died in a car accident. Yet somehow, across life and loss, my son still connects with his father through their shared love of the beautiful game.

‍

With love,
Shannon D.

Dear Soccer,

‍

It started with orange slices, muddy cleats, and a jersey down to my knees. It continued with friendships formed, skills gained, and many early Saturday mornings.

Soccer Saturdays carried me all the way through the end of high school. Then came a break: university, moves, new jobs, and kids. But soccer was not done with me, and now it is women’s league, which feels like the ultimate gift.

Soccer through a lifetime, that is what it is all about.

‍

Still playing, still grateful,
Mikayla R.

Dear Soccer,

‍

From a very young age, I learned to love you unconditionally. I have been playing since I was three years old, and through the game I have built great friendships, many of which have become fundamental pillars in my life for more than 15 years.

I am also a proud fan of Mazatlán FC in Mexico, which I have supported since its founding, through thick and thin. I have also supported the Mexican national team ever since I first fell in love with the sport.

I owe so much to soccer, and I am eagerly awaiting the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the beginning of the football festival.

‍

See you in 2026,
Omar C.

Dear Soccer,

‍

When I moved to Canada four years ago, I discovered something that changed me in ways I never expected: the beautiful, electrifying game of soccer.

At first, I was hesitant and worried about playing while wearing glasses, unsure if I would fit in. But the moment I stepped onto the field, all of that fear faded. Soccer welcomed me. It taught me teamwork, discipline, and the joy of pushing myself. It helped me build friendships when everything around me felt new and unfamiliar. It became a piece of home in a place I was still learning to call home.

Because of everything soccer has given me, I dream of experiencing its greatest celebration in the most unforgettable way. I hope with all my heart to watch the FIFA World Cup in person with my parents. We even applied to be volunteers, hoping to be part of the magic up close, but we did not get in. Still, that hope has not dimmed.

For my family, watching the World Cup together would not just be a fun outing. It would be a once in a lifetime moment, something we would carry with us forever. A memory that ties together our journey, our sacrifices, and the love we share for this game that helped me grow.

‍

With hope,
Franco Miguel C.

Dear Soccer,

‍

You are a common language and an escape for so many. Whether playing locally with newcomers to Canada or in the rubble after an earthquake, soccer has a way of bringing people together.

In 2023, I was sent to Turkey to assist after the earthquake. While deployed, I occasionally wore my Canada Soccer shirt, and men would approach me and begin listing Canadians who had played in Turkey: Atiba, Larin, Adekugbe.

Surrounded by rubble, we would kick the ball, not as foreigners, but as equals.

Soccer truly is an escape.

‍

As equals,
Tyler C.

Dear Soccer,

‍

Thanks for hosting the FiFa world cup 2026 the fans like seeing the player on the field and the new stage is awesome I hope you guys feeling UCEY for our team Canada be proud for our land.

‍

Best,
Quincy T.

Dear Soccer,

‍

Thank you for the beauty of your game and the beauty of the people I got to play with. Thank you for helping a nervous, unsure middle schooler become a self confident person and player who dreamed big on the college stage.

‍

With gratitude,
Megan L.

Dear Soccer,

‍

You mean so much to me. You are a beautiful game that has taught me so much and brought me joy through so many stages of my life.

From teamwork to competition, from running to scoring, from defense to striker, and from losing to winning, you have shaped me both on and off the field. From community youth soccer, to high school, to competitive and then recreational play, outdoor and indoor, you have always been there.

Now, I find joy in spectating at every level and dreaming of playing again, and maybe even coaching one day.

You have given me connections that last a lifetime, a true passion, and so much love.

‍

Love,
Sheri S.

Dear Soccer,

‍

Thank you for always being there to provide comfort and joy as life changed around me.

Growing up in Yorkshire in the United Kingdom, I never imagined I would be building a new life and home thousands of miles away in the Prairies. At times it was tough, and I missed home, but football was always there when I needed to reconnect with my roots and find new friends.

From early mornings watching the game, to finding community in fellow fans, to finding mindfulness while playing, football always provided a comforting constant when I needed it most.

I cannot wait for Canada to finally experience the global game on home soil. I certainly will not be missing a moment of it.

‍

Best,
Stephen H.

Dear Soccer,

‍

You have seen me through so many life events, the good, the bad, and the ugly.

When I was a teenager, I struggled to find my place at home, at school, and in life. The pitch became my happy place.

In my twenties, I had the opportunity to coach and fell in love with it. The families of the players helped me through becoming a single mom, and many of them became lifelong friends. From there, I began working in soccer and travelled across Canada to coach and teach the game to other coaches.

In my thirties, I battled breast cancer, and my women’s team, club, and the wider football community stood behind me every step of the way. The pitch was where I could forget reality for 90 minutes and focus only on playing, coaching, and the beautiful game.

Now, in my forties, I play with my best friends while helping grow the game for women of all ages and stages. I also had the chance to coach in the inaugural Prairie Premier season, where I coached girls I had seen start the game at nine years old in a new semi professional league.

To witness an era of professional women’s soccer in Canada in my lifetime is a dream come true.

Thank you, Soccer, for always being the place I can call home. A place where I can share my passion, and a place where, at every stage of my life, I can always show up to watch, to learn, and to play.

‍

With love,
Tonya D.

Dear Soccer,

‍

Through one of the toughest times in my life, I never really understood what it meant to always have you.

In January 2020, at 39, I lost every hair I had to alopecia in just three weeks. It was devastating. I hid under a hat, a wig, and a mask, and often stayed hidden in my car.

Then one day, I went to my daughter’s soccer practice. I met the coach and offered to help. I was terrified of being out there bald, so I started slowly by teaching the game I loved.

I had played for the BC team in my youth and remembered my sisters’ games against CS. Coaching for two years finally gave me the courage and strength to get back out there myself. With my 20 year teammates at Gorge in Victoria, my family, and the girls cheering me on, I found my way back.

Six years later, we finally made it to Nationals in the over 30s. Hair free and playing the game I loved.

And now I get the best part of all: watching both my kids play, and knowing soccer gave me the strength to overcome anything.

‍

Truly Thankful,
Brodie B.

Dear Soccer,

‍

You have given me many things: passion, grit, and belonging, just to name a few. But the most precious thing you have given me is consistency.

You are something to turn to, to lean on, and to know will show up for me regardless of the circumstances. From a little girl living in an unpredictable environment to a woman thriving on structure and stability, I thank you.

You are more than a sport. You are my foundation.

‍

With gratitude,
Katelyn B.

Dear Soccer,

‍

I started playing soccer in 1985 when I was 5 years old, and it still feels like yesterday. Some of my closest friends growing up were people I met on the pitch, and I still remember every coach I had over the years.

As I got older, life took me in different directions, and I was away from the game for a long time. Now, as a dad, my passion for the game has been rekindled. I am coaching both of my boys’ teams, and it is one of the best feelings in the world to help guide a new generation both on and off the pitch.

I would not change a thing.

‍

Back on the pitch,
Ken I.

Dear Soccer,

‍

You are more than a game, you are my heartbeat. In every kick, every goal, and every cheer, I find a part of myself. You have taught me to dream big, stay strong, and never give up.

No matter where life takes me, my love for you will never fade. One day, I hope to feel your magic at the FIFA World Cup and live that unforgettable moment.

‍

Forever in love with you,
Fahim A.

Dear Soccer,

‍

Thank you for showing my daughter what girls can and will become. You gave her women to look up to in the sport she loves.

Do not stop.

‍

With gratitude,
Pam J.

Dear Soccer,

‍

You were never just a game to me. You are my world of dreams, and a place where I can catch my breath.

My one wish is that you will always remain my favourite, and that I may have the chance to see a World Cup match once in my lifetime before my last breath.

‍

Yours,
Md Naim K.

Dear Soccer,

‍

Words cannot describe all that you have done for me. Thank you for harnessing my intensity and passion as a child and funnelling it into something positive. Left untamed, it could have led me down a very different path in life.

Thank you for giving me my best friends. The memories we share on the field will bond us for life. Thank you for bringing me my partner, because our story begins with soccer.

Thank you for giving me some of life’s highest highs, and for helping me process loss and failure along the way.

‍

With love,
Sarah G. #3

Dear Soccer,

‍

This is my love letter to the game.

You gave me a place where effort mattered, and where failure taught me to try again. You taught me patience, resilience, and how to grow through setbacks.

In your world, I found confidence, creativity, and connection. You helped me understand myself by allowing me to become someone else. You still matter because you change with me, while holding memories I carry forward.

You are not just a game, but a lasting part of who I am and who I am becoming. Even now, I return to you, learning, remembering, and finding meaning again and again.

‍

Always,
Vanika S.

Dear Soccer,

‍

It is hard to put into words everything you have given me. You started as just a game, something to pass the time, but over the years you became so much more. You taught me discipline when I did not feel like showing up, resilience when things did not go my way, and confidence when I needed to believe in myself.

You have given me moments I will never forget: the thrill of a perfect pass, the rush of scoring, and even the lessons hidden in losses. Through you, I have built friendships that go beyond the field, connections rooted in teamwork, trust, and shared passion.

What makes you so special is that you are always there. No matter what is going on in life, stepping onto the field feels like coming home. The noise fades, the stress disappears, and for a while, it is just me, the ball, and the game I love.

Even today, you still mean so much to me because you remind me of who I am: driven, focused, and always striving to improve. You continue to challenge me, push me, and inspire me in ways nothing else can.

Thank you for every lesson, every memory, and every feeling you have given me. I carry all of it with me, both on and off the field.

‍

Sincerely,
Leah F.

Dear Soccer,

‍

I am writing this on behalf of my dad because, honestly, he would never do something like this for himself.

My dad fell in love with football as a kid growing up in Africa. From everything I have seen and heard, it was never just a game for him. It was his escape. It was where he felt like he belonged, and to be honest, that never changed.

When he moved to Canada and started building a life here, that love stayed with him. Football stayed with him through everything, including work, responsibilities, and providing for our family. The game was always there in the background, reminding him of his childhood and how far he had come.

Some of his happiest moments are still tied to being on the field, and then he passed that love on to me.

I grew up watching him play and learning the game because of him. I remember him playing FIFA on the PlayStation and teaching me and my sister, even though I was absolutely terrible. It is funny because in those moments, you could just see how happy he was. It was like everything else paused for a bit, and I am so glad to have those memories with him.

My dad is a very quiet person. He has never been the type to ask for anything or put himself first. He just shows up for everyone else, every single time.

So I am writing this because I want to do something for him for once.

This would honestly mean everything to him. Not just because it is the World Cup, but because of what the game has meant to him his whole life. It has been his escape, his constant, and his joy, and I really hope he gets to experience something like this.

‍

With love,
Shabina D.

My Dear Beautiful Game,

‍

Since 1982, when Naranjito was the toy mascot of the World Cup, you have been my greatest love.

In 1986, as a 10 year old, I watched my Brazil lose to France and promised I would never visit France. Then came the heartbreaks and the unforgettable memories: Argentina in 1990, the wild celebrations of 1994, the drama of the 1998 final, and the joy of 2002.

Then came more heartbreak. France again in 2006. The Netherlands in 2010. The pain of 2014, our September 11. Belgium in 2018, one of the best teams ever. And Croatia in 2022.

You gave me every one of those memories and shaped my endless passion for the game.

You still matter to me because you are my eternal FIFA World Cup love.

‍

Forever yours,
Arthur M.

Dear Soccer,

‍

I never knew you as a child, but there is nothing I love more than getting to know you through my kids’ eyes.

The ups, the downs, the freezing cold pitches, the resilience you teach, the teamwork you build, the friendships made, the oranges consumed, and the far too many road meals during away games all mean so much.

You have taught my kids the value of hard work and determination, how to be a good friend and teammate, and most importantly, to never give up on chasing their dreams.

‍

With love,
Danica K.

Dear Soccer,

‍

From early mornings to muddy cleats, you gave me more than I ever expected.

You taught me discipline, patience, and how to keep going even when things did not go my way. Some of my best memories and friendships came from you.

You were never just a game. You shaped who I am.

And no matter where life takes me, you will always be a part of me.

‍

Always,
Rohika C.

Dear Soccer,

‍

My name is Amanda Manzardo, and I started playing soccer at the age of six. I first played with girls’ youth teams, but by the time I was 17, I was struggling to be accepted because of my disability.

That led me to Special Olympics soccer, where I found a new path in the game. When I was 23, I made my first Special Olympics Team Canada squad and travelled to Shanghai, China. I was the only girl on my team, and together we brought home a gold medal for Canada’s first ever soccer team at the Games.

Years later, I had another chance to represent Canada, this time in Berlin, Germany in 2023. It was also the first time I competed with an all women’s team, and we won bronze. It was a proud moment to be part of the first ever all women’s soccer team to compete for Canada on that stage.

Now, I am training to represent Team British Columbia’s first ever all women’s soccer team heading to Medicine Hat, Alberta this summer. I am also hoping to represent Team Canada again next summer in Santiago, Chile.

Go Canada go.

‍

With pride,
Amanda M.

Dear Soccer,

‍

Thank you for being my first love. You allowed a girl from a small town, born to immigrant parents, to see that there is more to life than just work and school.

You taught me how to be a team player, a quick thinker, and a disciplined person.

Thank you also for being my first heartbreak. When I could no longer enjoy you because of my injury, I was devastated. But even then, you taught me resilience, determination, and how to stare down adversity.

I would not be the person I am today without you, so thank you.

‍

With love,
Tejinder C.

Dear Soccer,

‍

My story is not really about me loving you. It is about my 9 year old son, who loves soccer and hockey equally, and who is convinced he will one day play professionally in both, one in the summer and one in the winter, as a goalie.

He plays soccer every single day at school, twice a day at recess and lunch, in every kind of weather. In snow pants or shorts, indoors or outdoors, he is always playing. When organized hockey ends, spring soccer begins.

The joy he gets from playing is worth every moment on the sidelines for me, so thank you.

‍

With thanks,
Christie P.

Dear soccer,

‍

Thank you for helping me to meet new people and friends in every new city and stage of life. Some of my best friends and memories are from soccer.

‍

Best,
Kaitlin I.

Dear Soccer,

‍

I started following the game in 2002, during a time that unexpectedly changed how I connected with sports. What began as a simple school project, a scrapbook on the FIFA World Cup, quickly turned into something much deeper. Collecting newspaper clippings, arranging them creatively, and building a 30 page story helped me understand the game in a way I never had before. That experience sparked a lasting passion.

Since then, I have followed football closely, even as life evolved around me. As a cricket player and a first generation migrant to Canada, my journey has come with its share of adjustments and competing priorities. Yet my love for sport, especially the World Cup, has remained constant. It has been a thread connecting different phases of my life across countries, cultures, and responsibilities.

Now, with the game coming closer to home, the excitement feels even more personal. Being able to experience the atmosphere, the energy, and the global unity that only a World Cup can bring feels truly special. It is more than just the matches. It is the celebrations, the shared emotions, and the unforgettable moments that make it magical.

This upcoming World Cup feels like a full circle moment for me. From a young student carefully crafting a scrapbook to now being part of the live experience, it is a feeling that is hard to fully express. But one thing is certain: I am looking forward to it more than ever.

‍

Full circle,
Gurbir Singh D.

Dear Soccer,

‍

Thank you for giving my 15 year old daughter something to fight for.

She has played soccer since she was 3 years old and fell in love with it from the very beginning. Over the last three years, she has fought hard to get back onto the field after several setbacks, including a torn groin and two car accidents, one of them just three months ago.

From those injuries, she tore her right rotator cuff and hurt her jaw. Through it all, soccer has given her something to love and something to keep fighting for.

Thank you for being that for her.

‍

With gratitude,
Nichole D.

Dear Soccer,

‍

In January 2012, my soccer obsessed husband proposed the idea of flying to Vancouver to cheer on the Canadian Women’s National Team at the qualifiers for the 2012 Summer Olympics. Anna, Grandma (Oma), and I jumped at the chance, and off we went.

We managed to stay near where the team was staying and even got to meet them. Anna, who was 11 at the time, was thrilled. The players signed her girls’ team photo, a jersey, and took several pictures with us. The team was not yet as widely celebrated across Canada as they would become after winning Olympic bronze, so they were genuinely surprised that a family had flown all the way from Ontario to watch them compete.

We cheered their win over Mexico, felt the heartbreak of their loss to their longtime rivals from the United States, and were thrilled knowing we would get to watch them at the Olympics. Since then, we have followed this remarkable team through all of its highs and lows.

We owe a great deal of gratitude to soccer, and to the players who helped spark so much enthusiasm for women’s soccer in Canada. Many from that team are now founders, owners, and leaders in this incredible new Canadian league, creating opportunities for girls like Anna to pursue their own love for the beautiful game.

Thank you.

‍

Love,
Barbara B.

Dear Soccer,

‍

You’ve been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I see videos of me playing when I was just two and a half years old, and I truly can’t imagine my life without you.

Some of my favourite memories aren’t just about scoring goals or winning games. They’re about the people that I’m lucky to call my teammates. They are some of my favourite people in the world. We’ve laughed, celebrated, learned, and grown together. And I’m so grateful for every coach who has believed in me, challenged me, and helped me become a better player and an even better person.

One of the most unforgettable moments of my journey was being chosen as the Official Match Ball Carrier for the final FIFA match in Vancouver on July 7. Walking onto that field reminded me just how much this sport has given me and how lucky I am to be part of something so special.

Soccer has taught me resilience, confidence, discipline, teamwork, and kindness. It has helped me through tough days, celebrated with me on the best days, and shaped me into the person I am becoming.

No matter where this journey takes me, I know one thing will always be true. Soccer, you’ll always have my heart.

‍

Love,
Hana

Dear Soccer,

‍

There are no words to express how much you mean to me. Since I was a kid, soccer has been the one thing that brought my family together. I can still hear my mum’s cheers from the sideline every time my sister scored a goal or when I made the game-winning block. I am so glad you exist and that I get to experience you on the biggest stage now.

‍

Jason L.
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Dear Soccer,

‍

When I was 3 years old, I started playing football. I joined a Japanese football club. My first game was at my international school in Singapore. It was my first favourite sport.

‍

Thank you,
Addison C.

Dear Football,

‍

This sport makes me happier when I watch it and play it. I really want to improve at the sport and play better.

‍

Love,
Pranav I.

Dear Football,

‍

Thank you for helping me through all the hard times and making great, timeless memories with me. I will never forget you.

‍

Best,
Joe S.

Dear Soccer,

‍

You were never just 90 minutes. You taught me hope, passion, and that impossible moments can become unforgettable memories. From saving cutouts of my favourite players to finally watching them live on the pitch, you’ve been more than a game. You’ve been a dream! Thank you for every cheer, every tear, and every heartbeat you stole. But most importantly, thank you for growing up with me.

‍

Love,
Dristy R.

Dear Soccer,

‍

Thank you for everything: the early mornings, late nights, greatest victories, and worst defeats. You’ve been with me through everything: the championships, the losses, and all the learning. I truly have lost my mind over this game, like Vincent van Gogh. He dedicated his life to his art and lost his mind in the process. That’s what has happened to me, but it’s all worth it. The memories and the emotion make losing my mind worth it.

‍

Best,
Gian Luca B.

Dear Soccer,

‍

You are my motivation and my inspiration. You bring me joy and indescribable emotions. You taught me how to stand back up whenever I fall.

In my moments of sadness, discouragement, and despair, I look to you. I remember the legendary night in Istanbul, that classic comeback. I still remember when I was working on my scientific research project. The pressure was immense. There was criticism, discouragement, and sheer exhaustion. But in those very moments, looking at you gave me the unwavering belief that I would succeed, that I could pull off my own comeback, and I did. It was you who taught me that absolutely nothing is impossible.

You have brought such wonderful things into my life. During this 2026 World Cup, I have been eating, sleeping, and breathing soccer. I’ve completely immersed myself in the football life, a place where I can enjoy that amazing, vibrant, bustling, and purely joyful atmosphere.

You are the bridge that connects everyone, bringing people closer together. You turn complete strangers into the closest of friends, united by the universal language of football. Through you, people celebrate together, cry together, feel the suspense together, and erupt with emotion at those defining moments, bursting with joy the second the ball hits the back of the net.

There is still so much more I want to tell you. With my deepest gratitude and appreciation, thank you sincerely for coming into my life.

‍

Thank you so much for everything.
Le Duc Tri N.

Dear Soccer,

‍
My name is Han, I'm a World Cup fan from Vietnam. I feel regretful that my country couldn't qualify for the World Cup, but I don't care. I only care about the excitement of the World Cup. I'm a fan of the Portuguese national team.

‍

Love,
Hân V.

Dear Soccer,

‍

Football isn’t just a game. It’s where the world unites, where everyone gathers, and strangers become friends. Football has shaped my life through different experiences, like soccer practice or playing soccer with my church friends on our church field. You see, it’s not just about a game. It’s about how we have fun, meet new people, and enjoy what unites us every four years.

‍

Best,
Rafael H.

Dear Soccer,

‍

Now that the FIFA World Cup is here in Vancouver, it has become a way for the city to follow up from the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games. From Winter Sport to Soccer it has finally expanded on my love of Vancouver, I can’t wait to see what’s next.

Hopefully, after the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Vancouver will host the Olympics again. Here’s to the future of sport from the Olympics to the FIFA World Cup.

‍

Thank you,
Paul H.

Dear Soccer,

‍

I first fell in love with you as a small girl growing up in Winterpeg, slipping and sliding on the ice while chasing a ball instead of a puck. I grew up and was lucky enough to pass my love for you on to my daughter, who has also loved you since she was 4. She has taken that love and created big dreams of playing through university, having just signed with U of C, and hopefully playing professionally. This has allowed me to continue loving you alongside my best friend and favourite player of all time.

‍

Thank you,
Alisha T.

Dear Soccer,

‍

I fell in love with soccer long before the World Cup arrived, but seeing it come to Vancouver feels like a dream. The roar of the crowd, the passion of every fan, and the beauty of this city make my heart feel at home

‍

Love,
Bridgette W.

Dear Soccer,

‍

You started in my backyard at dawn, with my dad’s voice coaching me through my first wobbly kicks and crooked passes. You taught me patience when the ball wouldn’t listen, joy when it finally did, and what it feels like to chase something beside someone who believes in you. Those mornings with my dad are some of my most cherished memories, and now I lace up with my friends, chasing the same ball under the same sky and laughing the same way. You gave me my dad, then you gave me my people. That’s why you’ll always matter.

‍

Love,
Freddie Z.

Dear Soccer,

‍

You were the first sport I ever played. I was a shy kid, but I grew to enjoy the team spirit, the oranges on the sidelines, and that sweet feeling of scoring a goal. Years later, I found my true place as a defender, supporting the goalie as the last line of defence against opposing strikers. Yet most importantly, I love how you bring the world together so easily. Connection and communication, not through words, but through our shared language of soccer.

‍

My deepest respect,
Nathan S.

Dear Soccer,

‍

You gave me a home in every city, a language without words, and some of the best people in my life. From screaming goals with strangers to finding pieces of myself in stadiums thousands of miles away, you’ve always made the world feel smaller and my heart feel bigger. Thank you for every memory, every emotion, and every version of me you helped shape. See you in Vancouver in 2026. ⚽️🍁

‍

Best,
Jimena L.

Dear Soccer,

‍

You have never been just a sport in my life. It’s something I’ve lived, played, and carried with me since the first time I laced up my cleats. Growing up playing soccer shaped who I am: the discipline, the teamwork, the resilience, and the joy of the game. Those early mornings, muddy fields, and the rush of competition taught me how to show up for myself and for the people beside me.

As I got older, soccer became more than the game I played. It became something I experienced on a deeper level. One of the greatest honours of my life was watching Lionel Messi, Neymar Jr., and Kylian Mbappé play together for PSG, three legends sharing the same pitch and creating magic in real time. Seeing that level of talent, unity, and brilliance reminded me why the world falls in love with this sport over and over again. It was a moment that stayed with me, a reminder of how powerful the game can be.

Volunteering has been part of my life since I was thirteen, and the values I learned on the field, commitment, teamwork, and heart, are the same values that guide me when I serve my community. That’s why being selected for FIFA 2026 means so much to me. It feels like everything has come full circle: the player I was, the fan who witnessed greatness, and the volunteer who believes in bringing people together.

For me, soccer is connection. It’s passion. It’s unity. It’s the reminder that no matter where we come from, we can meet on the same field and speak the same emotion. Being part of FIFA 2026 is an honour, a chance to give back to a game that shaped me, inspired me, and taught me what it means to be part of something bigger than myself.

‍

Best,
Preet S.

Dear Soccer,

‍

The ball is our world.

You are 32 panels: 20 hexagons and 12 pentagons. You have 180 individual sides that only become a sphere when 90 of them are shared.

That ratio isn’t a coincidence. That’s the whole thing.

The world has done a 180, divided, fractured, and pulling apart. But every shared moment, every 90 minutes of a match where none of that matters, is a reminder that the edges are still connected. The panels still fit.

‍

With love,
Brian P.

Dear Soccer,

‍

Thank you for carrying me through the hardest moments of my life. Through playing and watching you, my stepdad became my best friend, and after losing him, the game helped me heal. You taught me that the battles on and off the field can be overcome with the love of teammates, family, and the sport itself. You gave me lifelong friendships, took me around the world, and helped me become stronger, kinder, and more resilient. I will always love this game.

‍

Love,
Kai B.

Dear Soccer,

‍

You found me in Lahore, Pakistan, during late nights with my uncle, watching Argentina play on an old television with antennas. This was the year Diego Maradona scored the Hand of God and the Goal of the Century to win the Cup. I didn’t understand everything, but I understood the feeling. You showed me how one game can connect people beyond language, borders, or background. From that small room to the world, that feeling never left me. I’m excited to witness the World Cup come to Vancouver. ⚽️🤍❤️💙

‍

Love,
Zara D.

Dear Soccer,

‍

You have always been a large part of my life, with strong memories of hovering around the TV with my late father as a child or sitting in a packed coffee bar, on edge as the world’s best collide on the ultimate stage. It means family, tradition, and culture, and connects us all in a way that promotes peace and unity. It reminds me of my family upbringing and my strong cultural roots from growing up in an Italian household in this great country of Canada!

‍

Love,
Thomas P.

Dear Soccer,

‍

I don’t even know where to start because you’ve been part of my life in ways that are bigger than words.

You gave me something to look forward to, even on days that felt heavy. When everything else felt uncertain, you were always the same: just a ball, a field, and the simple truth that effort matters. You taught me that nothing is given. Everything is earned with movement, patience, and heart.

You showed me how to win with humility and how to lose without falling apart. There were games where I felt unstoppable, like everything clicked. And there were games where nothing went right, but even then, you taught me to keep going, to reset, and to try again instead of giving up.

You also gave me connection. Friends I wouldn’t have met otherwise, moments of laughing after mistakes, and that quiet understanding between players who don’t even need to speak to know what’s happening next. You made teamwork feel real, not just something in a lesson or a speech.

But more than anything, you taught me about myself: how I handle pressure, how I respond when I’m tired but still need to push, and how I stay calm when things don’t go my way. You turned challenges into lessons without ever saying a word.

Even when I’m not playing, I still feel you in me: the discipline, the focus, and the rhythm of movement and decision making. You don’t just stay on the field. You stay in how I think, how I work, and how I carry myself.

Soccer, you’re not just a game to me. You’re a teacher, a release, and a reminder that progress doesn’t have to be loud to be real.

And no matter where life takes me, I don’t think I’ll ever stop carrying what you gave me.

‍

Love,
Darshini J.

Dear Soccer,

‍

Thank you for giving me a chance 24 years ago.

I vividly remember being that nervous 10 year old girl standing and looking out onto the field, about to join a team where I barely knew the rules. My registration didn’t process properly, and I wasn’t even sure I was allowed to play.

We all lined up, ready for the referee to check our cleats, shin pads, and jewelry, and a sigh of relief came over me as he called my name.

This would be the beginning of a beautiful relationship with what would ultimately become my lifeline and my favourite sport.

Soccer, if it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t have forged and maintained all of the great friendships that I continue to have from playing such a great sport over the last 24 years. I also wouldn’t have met my now husband through a fun coed team we joined over 10 years ago.

Soccer, you have given me amazing memories, taught me important lessons, and shown me the value of never giving up when the situation you’re in seems impossible.

In a world that is so uncertain, you remain constant in my life, and I am so blessed that I still get the opportunity to turn to you when times are hard.

Soccer, you have always been and will always be there for me, and I truly thank you for that.

‍

Your biggest fan,
Sammy

Dear Soccer,

‍

Before the World Cup, I wasn’t even into sports. But seeing the passion, pressure, and how much every moment mattered changed something in me. After that, I went outside and played for the first time. Now I think about soccer every day. Sometimes I feel behind because I started later than everyone else, but that just makes me work harder. That’s why the World Cup coming to Vancouver means so much to me. Maybe I started late, but I’m here now.

‍

Always,
Jayden P.

"Dear soccer,

‍

You have helped me with a lot of things in my life and you also taught me many things like teamwork. You taught me to accept who I am and helped me get over bullying about my microtia atresia in both ears. You made me find the confidence within me that I had before being bullied. I love the game of soccer and I know the game of soccer loves me, and that is my love letter to the beautiful game.

‍

With love,
Your biggest fan Léo F.

Dear Soccer,

‍

You found a little girl from SK with dreams bigger than where she was from and took her places further than she ever imagined. You gave me everything.

The love for the game isn’t just about how far it takes you, but how it shapes you along the way. You reminded me that even when one chapter ends, the story doesn’t.

Now, at 33, it’s my turn to give back to the game that gave me everything.

Through coaching, I see pieces of myself in every player: the same fire, the same hope, and the same belief that anything is possible. You gave me so much more than wins or opportunities. You gave me resilience. You gave me heartbreak and healing. You gave me a sense of belonging. You gave me purpose.

Even after all the highs and lows, the joy and pain, I would choose you again every single time.

‍

Keep the ball rolling,
Taylor C.

Dear Soccer,

‍

You are the reason that all of us soccer moms get up early to prepare nourishing pregame breakfasts, double check water bottles, and pack snack stashes. Every week, we check the weather reports and pray for the rain or snow to hold off during the game. We stand in the cold, wet weather or blazing hot sun to cheer on our kids. We are always ready to hug them after a match, to celebrate a win, or to console them after a loss.

Sometimes we wonder if it’s all worth it. All of the time spent driving to the pitch, all of the money spent on registration fees, tournaments, and extra training. It’s when we see the bonds forged between teammates, the elation when a goal is scored, and the drive to improve that grows within each child that we understand it’s not just a game. You are a teacher of resilience, a maker of friendships, and a keeper of dreams.

So we will keep packing, driving, cheering, and believing.

Every day. Every season. Always.

‍

With gratitude,
Anne L. (A Soccer Mom)

My love,

‍

I don’t quite know where to begin because how do you properly thank something that has given you so much joy, heartbreak, unity, and meaning all at once?

From the very first touch of the ball to the roar of a stadium that feels like thunder in your chest, you’ve been more than just a game to me. You are rhythm and poetry, strategy and chaos, discipline and freedom, all stitched together across ninety minutes that somehow never feel long enough.

There’s something sacred about the way the world pauses for you. Different languages, different flags, different lives, but for a moment, everything aligns on the same pitch. You’ve shown me that passion needs no translation. A goal celebrated in one corner of the world is understood in every other.

And then there’s the heartbreak: the missed chances, the last minute defeats, and the quiet walks afterward. Strangely, I cherish those too. Because they mean I cared. Because you taught me that loving something deeply also means accepting its cruelty.

You’ve given us heroes we’ll never meet, moments we’ll never forget, and stories that feel bigger than ourselves. You’ve turned ordinary nights into unforgettable memories and strangers into family.

So this is my love letter to you, not just for the trophies or the glory, but for the feeling. The feeling that something simple, something universal, can still bring the world together, even if just for a little while.

‍

Forever yours,
Shaina D.

Dear Soccer,

‍

As a shy little girl at the age of six, I didn’t want to play. My mom told me that if I wanted to quit, I had to tell my coach myself. I was too nervous to do that, so with hesitation, I stepped onto the field and played. I scored three goals that day, and I never looked back.

Growing up on North Vancouver Island, the commitment wasn’t easy. I would drive an hour to Nanaimo for practices, and in the summers, three hours to Victoria. There were endless ferry rides to Vancouver, filled with early mornings, late nights, and unforgettable memories. Along the way came gold medals, but more importantly, lifelong friendships.

Fast forward to university, playing for Vancouver Island University-more gold medals at provincials, competing at the national championships, and even tossing a silver medal off the ferry into the ocean as a promise to come back stronger.

Now, I’m older, and I get to share that same passion every day. As a teacher at a local high school, I coach and pass on everything you’ve given me—confidence, resilience, and a love for the game that started with one nervous step onto the field.

‍

Thank you,
Sarah M.

Dear Soccer,

‍

You are my first true love. You saved me in many ways, more than once.

I met you when I was 4 years old, growing up in a neighbourhood where opportunities were limited and hope was far out of reach.

You taught me resilience, compassion, and focus. But most importantly, you taught me never to give up.

You also gave me one more special thing. After losing my father and knowing it was our game, every time I am on the pitch, I know he is playing right beside me, always.

‍

Thank you,
Raquel O.

Dear Soccer,

‍

We met when I was 3. From Nigeria to Canada, across three provinces, you’ve been the heartbeat of my journey. Competing on global stages like the MIC Cup in Spain proved that I belong at the highest level. You taught me vision and composure, pushing me to think faster and stay calm under pressure. Facing international talent wasn’t just an experience. It was a statement. Every touch is intentional as I build toward the next level. I’m chasing more. We’re just getting started.

‍

Best,
Hadriel O.

Dear Soccer,

‍

You found me at 11 months old. Before I understood the world, I understood the ball. From Nigeria to Canada, across three provinces, you were my only constant. You taught me to adapt to new styles and speeds, shaping my identity with every pitch I stepped onto. Through you, I learned to play with speed and courage. This isn’t my peak. It’s my foundation. Every match has been quiet growth, earning my place over and over. We’ve come far, but I’m just getting started.

‍

Love,
Zolum O.

Dear Soccer,

‍

From Singapore to Vancouver, soccer has been the thread connecting every chapter of my life. It began on humid evenings back home, where the game was played under fading skies and every patch of open ground could become a pitch. There were early mornings, muddy boots, scraped knees, and the simple joy of chasing a ball with friends until the light disappeared.

Soccer taught me discipline long before I understood the word. It meant waking up tired but showing up anyway, learning how to lose with grace, and discovering that victories feel best when shared with teammates who worked just as hard. Some of my closest friendships were built through training sessions, bus rides, and laughter in the locker room.

When I moved from Singapore to Vancouver, everything changed: new streets, new weather, and new rhythms of life. But soccer remained familiar. It became a language I could speak anywhere, helping me find community in a new city. On the field, accents and backgrounds didn’t matter. Effort, trust, and passion did.

There were heartbreaks too: losses that lingered, missed chances replayed in my mind, and seasons that ended too soon. But those moments shaped me as much as the wins. They taught resilience, humility, and the courage to keep coming back.

To me, soccer is more than a sport. It is home, friendship, challenge, and joy. It has carried me across continents and through every season of life. From Singapore to Vancouver, no matter where I am, the game will always be part of who I am.

‍

The best,
Wayne L.

Dear Soccer,

‍

I honestly don’t know where I’d be without you. This sport isn’t just a hobby. It’s a part of my identity, my escape from reality when things get hard, and the motivation to keep going during dark times.

Soccer didn’t just make me an athlete. It made me a better person. It taught me lessons you’d never expect to learn from kicking a ball. Soccer taught me everything about who I am. It taught me heartbreak, defeat, and how much I hate losing, but it also taught me how to win, to keep getting back up after losses, and to push myself through it all.

‍

Love,
Gabriel H.

Dear Soccer,

‍

“For everything and anything” is how this should start. From hospital beds to Saturday morning triple headers, to waiting not hours but sometimes days away from social media, news broadcasts, or people who just watch the game to support my club. This is my daily, weekly, monthly, and year round reprieve that doesn’t expect anything in return. From unbeaten seasons to heartbreak, I love this game that has brought me it all.

‍

Thank you,
Jafar R.

Dear Soccer,

‍

You brought me time with my dad. It was the only time just for us in a big family.

‍

Thank you,
Rachel V.

Dear Soccer,

‍

You were never just mine. You were my dad’s first. I remember how my dad’s eyes lit up whenever he saw you at his feet. He didn’t say much, but I could hear it in the way he called my name and the way he stayed a little longer after every game.

“5 more minutes,” he’d say, hoping I wouldn’t mind waiting for him. He made lots of sacrifices and was not always able to play due to his parenting duties for me. I know how much he yearned to play. And so, I hope to win this for him to thank him in return.

‍

Love,
Karra O.

Dear Soccer,

‍

I found you as a dirt covered ball that had seen better days, lying on rocky gravel behind my school, not far from crooked goalposts. I didn’t know the rules, only that when I kicked you, something inside me felt lighter.

You didn’t care where I came from. You didn’t ask if I was good enough. You just rolled, waiting, as patient as ever.

On days I felt invisible, you gave me a voice: the sound of my footsteps chasing you, the thud of a clean strike, and the quiet pride of getting better when no one was watching. You taught me that falling wasn’t failure, just part of learning how to stand stronger. You also brought me friends who learned together what teamwork means, what it means to thrash things out in a respectful way, and how to overcome conflicts.

I remember the first time I scored. It wasn’t in a stadium. There was no crowd and no cheering, just me, the wind, and you crossing that invisible line. Still, it felt like the world paused for a second just to say, “You did it.”

Years will pass. Fields will change. Life will grow louder and more complicated. But I know this: whenever I see you again, resting quietly on the grass, I’ll remember who I was and who I became because of you. Thank you, Soccer, for the love you brought to me and to so many people all over the world!

‍

More than a game,
Kayden O.

Dear Soccer,

‍

I carried you across oceans.

From the dusty fields of India to the rain soaked mornings of Canada, you came with me, not in my suitcase, but in my bones.

When everything felt unfamiliar and heavy, you reminded me who I am. You taught me resilience in loss, courage in uncertainty, and how to keep showing up when no one is watching. In lonely moments, I found your rhythm in my breath and your strength in my steps. I may not play the same way, but you still guide me.

Because no matter how far I am from where I started, no matter how hard this journey gets, I know I am still that girl.

Still fighting.
Still learning.
Still believing.

With love,
Harshita J. (A girl who is still in the game)

Dear Soccer,

‍

Since I was 10 years old, you have always been a part of my life. There is no other sport I have loved as much as you.

I still remember playing with my childhood friends in the void decks below our housing estate, barefoot because we simply could not afford shoes or cleats. As I entered my teenage years, I saved enough money to buy my first pair of Adidas cleats. Wearing them felt incredible. My feet were grateful for the protection, and I felt a new sense of energy every time I played.

Through the years, I continued to play recreationally, whether in the rain or under the sunshine. My idols, Zidane, Ronaldinho, and Sheringham, have always been a source of inspiration and joy. Even injuries such as plantar fasciitis, a broken nose, a torn ligament, and a fractured knee kept me away from the game for months at a time, but never forever.

Then life took me 12,800 kilometres away from my home country to Vancouver. Even there, I found new friends who share the same love for soccer, and the game continues to connect us.

Now, as I begin this new chapter of life in my 50s, I hope to keep playing for as long as I can. Thank you for being such an important part of my life and for carrying me through both the highs and the lows.

‍

With gratitude,
Janssen

Dear Soccer,

‍

I don’t remember when this started,
but I know it stuck.

You’re not just a game to me.
You’re where everything else shuts off:
no noise, no pressure, just playing.

Some days I feel unstoppable.
Other days I mess up, doubt myself,
and wonder if I’m even good enough.

But I keep coming back.

Because nothing feels like this:
the pace, the focus, the moments that actually matter.

You’ve made me tougher.
You’ve made me keep going
when it would’ve been easier to stop.

I don’t know how far I’ll go with this,
but I know I’m not done.

‍

Not even close,
Rupert T.

Dear Soccer,

‍

We have been through so much together, highs and lows, from the glory of winning a cup final to the agony of being on the losing side. You’ve taken me halfway across the world and allowed me to meet so many people whom I can now call close friends.

Growing up, I never thought I’d see Canada in a World Cup. I never thought I’d see Canada host a World Cup. Now I get to live out the dream of seeing my great nation play with considerable hope of being a contender and going far.

‍

Always proud,
Andrew B.

Dear Soccer,

‍

I can still remember watching the 2014 World Cup on TV with Dad. I always thought you just had to kick a ball, but little did I know it was just the beginning of true love.

I can still remember being mesmerised by what a player can do with the ball at his feet. My parents told me that I could play soccer as long as I got an A+ on all my exams, and my only fear if I didn’t get the grades was, what if they took the ball away from me? How would I survive without it?

‍

Always a fan,
Harjot S.

Dear Soccer,

‍

In 1994, my dad drove my brother and me across the border to the USA to witness the magic of the World Cup. It became one of our most treasured memories. Now, at 80 years old, we are excited to take him to a match in Vancouver on Father’s Day. You have connected our family across generations, giving us joy, unity, and unforgettable moments. Thank you for the memories and for bringing us together through time.

‍

With gratitude,
Jon H.

Dear Soccer,

‍

I fell in love with you at 15, watching the FIFA World Cup with my Thai friends. We stayed up late, cheering and celebrating together, united by a game that needed no translation. Those moments taught me that soccer is more than a sport. It’s a universal language of friendship and belonging.

The same game that once connected me to my Thai friends will now bring the world together here in Vancouver.

Thank you for the memories, the unity, and the joy you continue to inspire.

‍

Love,
Jayda C.

Dear Soccer,

‍

You’ve had a place in my blood since long before I was born. From the fields of Chile to the fields of Canada. From the blood of my grandparents to that of me and my siblings. In every touch, there is a connection between home and a place where I’m at peace. You are an escape from everything bad and an opening to a world of pure bliss. You are the light at the end of the tunnel. I love you, Soccer. Please continue to bring the heavens down to our earth.

‍

Thank you,
Mati E.

Dear Soccer,

‍

We’ve had a love-love relationship for as long as I can remember. From elementary school leagues and university intramurals to countless coed and men’s recreational leagues and pickup games at the community centre field, I’ve done it all. I enjoy every sport, but you are the one for me.

Twelve years ago, I brushed up on my Portuguese and flew to Brazil to attend my first World Cup. I met so many great people as a result of the world’s love for soccer.

Now, living in Vancouver, we have the opportunity of a lifetime to host and welcome others from around the globe and experience the World Cup in our own backyard. It would be such an honour to go to a match in my hometown.

‍

Love,
George

Dear Soccer,

‍

You are a part of our family’s legacy. I grew up playing and competed at Nationals and the Canada Games. My mom volunteered for over 30 years and was inducted into the Manitoba Soccer Hall of Fame. Inspired by her, I’ve volunteered in many roles, most recently with FIFA as a Starting Lineup Volunteer. My 19 year old, who has been coming to the pitch with me since he was 2, is also volunteering. Seeing my mom’s legacy continue through him makes this journey even more special.

We have big cleats to fill. XO

‍

Best,
Sue S.

Dear Soccer,

‍

To the early mornings, the muddy cleats, the friendships, the heartbreak, and the joy—
This is my love letter to the game.
I have been a fan of the Colombian national team since I was seven years old. Football connects me to my culture and fills me with pride. It has given me a sense of belonging, taught me resilience, because of this I want to study sports journalism. Most importantly, I want to give a voice to Latina women in sports and to those who have not been heard.

‍

Thank you,
Antonia G.

Dear Soccer,

‍

Thank you for being there for my daughter through the years. The weather during soccer season in New Brunswick isn’t great. Seeing our girls out there slugging it out together in the heat, pouring rain, sleet, and even snow was amazing. “Play like a girl!” We all made great friends that we still have to this day. Years of games, practices, and road trips created a lasting bond. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience for my family.

‍

Thank you,
Leona D.

Dear Soccer,

‍

As the FIFA World Cup 2026 approaches, I feel excited to see how the game will grow and bring people together from all over the world. Soccer has always been more than just a sport to me. It’s passion, teamwork, and unity.

For the 2026 World Cup, I hope to see amazing goals, fair play, and unforgettable moments that inspire young players everywhere, including me. I also hope every team plays with heart and respect, showing what makes soccer so special on the world stage.

Soccer, thank you for bringing countries together and creating memories that last forever. I can’t wait to watch the world celebrate you in 2026.

‍

Sincerely,
Eddy S.

Dear Soccer,

‍

You gave me more than a game. You taught me discipline in the quiet work, resilience in every loss, and connection without words. You gave me belonging. You turned me into a man with a ball at my feet who belonged anywhere. You are part of how I think, compete, and push forward. You were never just a game I played. I am who I am because of you, and still am.

‍

Sincerely,
Armaan G.

Dear Soccer,

‍

I am just 11 years old, but I live for you.

I wake up in the morning for soccer. I go to school for soccer. I go to practice every day for soccer. I play games on weekends for soccer. I attend academies for soccer. I watch my favourite team and cheer for them because I love soccer. I eat healthy for soccer. I go to bed and dream of soccer. All I want in my life is you, SOCCER!

‍

Thank you,
Tristan M.

Dear Soccer,

‍

Thank you for giving me a safe space to be myself, have fun, and make friends wherever I go. From Canada to Korea, Turkey, and Portland, Oregon, wherever I go, there you are, offering community and connection.

Dear Soccer, thank you for inspiring me to take care of myself, treat my body well, and inspire the next generation. Dear Soccer, thank you for giving me goalkeeping and coaching opportunities. My life is brighter and more purposeful with you in it.

‍

Love,
Jennifer M.

Dear Soccer,

‍

I grew up as a little kid watching the Turkish national team for the first time on TV during the 2002 World Cup.

Twenty four years later, I finally get to see them in person in Vancouver. A dream come true.

‍

Best,
Volkan

Dear Soccer,

‍

You are more than a game. You’re the heartbeat of my summers and the rhythm of my weekends. From the first time I kicked a ball in the park to the roar of a sold out stadium, you’ve taught me about resilience, unity, and pure joy. I can’t wait to welcome the world to Vancouver in 2026 and show them how much we love you.

‍

Love,
Ahmad A.

Dear Soccer,

‍

You mean more to me than you’ll ever know. I grew up watching and loving soccer with my dad. As an adult, I hoped for a son who loves soccer. I longed for the title “soccer mom,” including the long drives, rain soaked mornings, and even muddy cleats.

My son learned to love the sport through my dad, fascinated by 4:30 a.m. wake ups just to watch Premier League games. I lost my dad last year, but his love for the sport lives on through my son. Thank you, Soccer, for the love and eternal connection.

‍

Thank you,
Sara E.

Dear Soccer,

‍

Football taught me patience and that nothing is impossible when you work hard and leave every drop of sweat on the pitch. Football taught me that emotions are not just reserved for human beings. Emotions can also be felt toward objects.

Football taught me that every single day, there’s something I’m living for and something I’m breathing, inhaling and exhaling.

It’s football. During the hardest times in my life, when no one was standing by my side, football was the only path and the only way to survive and keep going. It was my motivation, something that made me happy and feel positive every day so I could work harder and harder to become the version of myself I needed to be.

Football taught me that nothing is impossible. Whatever the circumstances are and whatever situation you’re put in, life will take you where you want to go if you give it your all. Football taught me about life in general, that life is about giving, not just taking, because if you don’t give, it won’t give back to you.

I remember many times when I cried because of football. I felt like I fell asleep with tears in my eyes because of football matches, as I’ve been supporting Barcelona, Spain, and Al Ahly in Egypt.

Football taught me that it’s never too late.

If you think of life as a game that lasts 90 minutes, there’s still a chance of getting six minutes of extra time to overcome what you’re going through or achieve what you want.

‍

Never too late,
Youssef E.

Dear Soccer,

‍

From a random day in 2014 when I started supporting my team, Napoli, to watching MLS in 2017 and multiple World Cups, you have given me something to look forward to and something that I truly love with all my heart.

The World Cup, the atmosphere, the excitement, and all these memories in my life are connected to soccer. Going to games with my friends and my dad is truly special to me.

Dear Soccer, I love you. ❤️⚽️

‍

Love,
Matteo R.

Dear Soccer,

‍

My dad was a professional soccer player in Vietnam, and he is the reason I grew up with such a deep passion for the game. Now that I have secured tickets to a match at BC Place, I finally have the chance to help him experience the World Cup in person, something that for years felt like only a dream.

‍

Best,
Khai P.

Dear Soccer,

‍

As a lifelong soccer fan, this is the first time that the city I live in, Vancouver, is hosting the World Cup. It feels like a dream come true. I’m looking forward to experiencing the atmosphere of the World Cup.

‍

Sincerely,
Matthew L.

Dear Soccer,

‍

I hope this message finds you well.

I am writing to express my deep admiration and excitement for the FIFA World Cup. This tournament is more than just a sporting event. It brings together people from all over the world, uniting them through a shared love of soccer.

The passion, teamwork, and dedication displayed by the players inspire millions of fans like me. The World Cup creates unforgettable moments and promotes unity, respect, and sportsmanship across different cultures and nations.

Thank you for organizing such an incredible event and for continuing to inspire generations of soccer lovers worldwide.

‍

Sincerely,
Nitin B.

Dear Soccer,

‍

Thank you. Thank you for pulling me into your wonderful world during the 2014 FIFA World Cup and giving a 12 year old his own niche in a cricket loving country. Thank you for the countless late night matches, the trophies and heartbreaks, and the community you gave me.

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon, I consider myself blessed. Blessed that I get to witness the pinnacle of the greatest sport ever in my city.

‍

Thank you,
Arjun K.

Dear Soccer,

‍

I grew up in Kenya, where football was never just a game. It was part of everyday life.

From crowded living rooms during big matches to dusty fields where we played until sunset, you brought people together. I remember the noise, the laughter, the arguments over teams, and the joy that filled the air whenever a goal was scored. In those moments, nothing else mattered.

You taught me passion, the kind that makes your heart race even when you’re just watching. You taught me resilience because not every game ends in celebration. And you showed me how powerful unity can be, how people from different backgrounds can come together through one shared love.

Now, being given the chance to be part of the FIFA World Cup 2026 as an international volunteer means more than I can explain. It feels like carrying a piece of home with me onto a global stage. It’s my way of giving back to something that shaped my childhood and continues to inspire me.

Football, you’ve always been part of my story, and you always will be.

‍

With love,
Vivian M. 🇰🇪

Dear Soccer,

‍

You found me in East Van: muddy cleats, early mornings, and Robson Park. The micro soccer organizers let a 10 year old kid play for free. With hindsight, that means everything to me. That generosity taught me to be kind, give back, and make space for others.

I fell deeply in love in 2002, watching Asian nations rise, following Lee Young-pyo, and becoming a fullback.

You were never just a game. You were home and a continuous lesson on how to live.

A right footed left back from East Van.

‍

Your biggest fan,
Mike T.

Dear Soccer,

‍

Soccer didn’t just give me a game. It gave me 5 a.m. alarms I was somehow grateful for. Bruised knees. Bus rides that felt like home. It gave me my people.

It taught me that failure is just a setup, that you miss, reset, and go again. That joy can live in a single perfect pass.

The World Cup is coming to Vancouver, and I feel it the way I felt every kickoff: heart forward, all in.

This game made me. It always will.

‍

Always,
Felix F.

Dear Soccer,

‍

I grew up with Christine Sinclair’s aunt. We could play softball at Western Park and field hockey in high school, but not soccer.

Fortunately, when my daughters started school, they were able to join Burnaby Girls’ Soccer. I loved watching them play so much that I decided to learn to play. Christine’s aunts were playing in the Burnaby 30 Something League, so with their help, I was able to find a team to join. I ended up coaching my oldest daughter’s team for a few years.

I began volunteering with the Vancouver Whitecaps in 2020, working with the Caps Kids. I work with the mascots and ball kids on game days and get to be pitchside for most games.

I even travelled to Mexico City and Florida to support the team.

Although I have not yet received a volunteer position, I am so excited to have the World Cup in Vancouver.

Thank you, Soccer, for continuing to be such a big part of my life.

‍

Thank you,
Geri W.

Dear Soccer,

‍

I was only 4 years old when I started playing. What I did not know until now is that I had found my game. Every year, I played for fun, and I still do.

‍

Thank you so much,
Alexa M.

Dear Soccer,

‍

You gave me purpose in early mornings, discipline when no one was watching, and resilience through every setback. In wins, you built my confidence. In losses, you built my character. You gave me teammates who became brothers, pressure that made me sharper, and moments I will carry for life. Everything you taught me goes beyond the field.

I didn’t just play you. I lived you. And I always will.

‍

The very best,
Elias I.

Dear Soccer,

‍

My soccer story started before I was born. When my mom was 16 and living in Iran, she was attacked by the Iranian regime because of her religious choices. She had always wanted to play soccer.

My mom escaped to India, where she played soccer in the dirt with sticks as goalposts. After some immigration challenges, she received Canadian citizenship and moved to London, Ontario.

When I was born in London, she always told me this story. It encouraged me to play soccer, and now I play for London United.

‍

Forever a fan,
Matthew R.

Dear Soccer,

‍

I truly love soccer and had just finished a game.

‍

Love,
Marcus C.

Dear Soccer,

‍

I have loved the game of soccer since I was young. I learned it from my uncle, and we have a great relationship. I started playing and grew to love it even more.

It’s my way of leaving my worries behind and thinking only about the game. It has gotten me through tough times because I can simply be on the field.

‍

Love,
Ebrahim N.

Dear Soccer,

‍

Soccer is a sport that will drive you crazy. It involves attack and defence. It involves open play and set pieces. There are so many possibilities. Every moment is different and spectacular. No other sport can compare with soccer in its excitement.

‍

Always a fan,
Michael M.

Dear Soccer,

‍

I found you by accident—which feels almost funny now, considering everything that followed.

When my neighbours invited me to play around age seven or eight, I just wanted to be with my friends. When I told my dad, though, I saw something shift in his eyes. He is from the Netherlands, where soccer wasn’t just a game—it was a way of life. He’d never admit it, but I think he let go of the dream of having soccer playing children somewhere between the delivery room and bringing home two daughters.

Once I started playing, I couldn’t stop.

People noticed quickly. I was scouted, invited, and pulled into teams across the Lower Mainland and then Vancouver itself. Soccer introduced me to this city before I truly knew it—its neighbourhoods, its hidden pitches, its rain soaked evenings and sunlit mornings. Through soccer, Vancouver became more than home; it became a place of possibility, passion, and belonging.

In 1999, the FIFA Women’s World Cup came to the United States. I was thirteen, and my world expanded overnight. Mia Hamm was my idol—I had the Barbie dolls to prove it—and thanks to Brandi Chastain, suddenly what sports bra you wore mattered. But what endured far beyond that moment was my first real exposure to global sport, to events, and to everything that happens around the game. I couldn’t yet see how deeply that tournament would shape my path, but it did.

Soccer gave me my friends.

It gave me a pathway to a college degree.

It introduced me to countries, cultures, and perspectives I might never have known otherwise.

It taught me how to lead, how to follow, how to trust teammates, and how to trust myself—on the pitch and far beyond it.

Some moments remain crystal clear. Walking into the San Diego Surf Cup and seeing a banner that read, “Through these gates walk the best of the best.” Twice, that banner told a young girl she belonged. Moving to Louisiana and instantly gaining thirty lifelong friends. Learning the FIFA Women’s World Cup would come to Vancouver in 2015—and realizing there was a genuine chance I could be part of it. I didn’t hesitate. I went all in. I became employee number two for that World Cup.

And then there was the summer of 2017, when a friend told me Vancouver might have the opportunity to bid to host matches for the FIFA World Cup in 2026. I knew immediately what that could mean—for the city, for the sport, and for the next generation.

And now, here we are.

In 2026, the World Cup is coming to Vancouver, and I am incredibly proud to serve as the FWC26 Vancouver Chief Operations Officer, and Vancouver’s employee number one. Now as a mother of a 5 year old, I have more to strive for. Soccer will give this city something new this summer—moments of connection, celebration, and belief. My hope is that this event, and this sport, inspire not only future players, but future leaders who see what’s possible when passion meets purpose.

I’m all in—until the final whistle.

‍

Thank you Soccer,
Taunya G.

Dear Soccer,

‍

You are the most intense team sport I have ever played. You shaped my life in so many positive ways, helped build lifelong friendships, and created countless memories.

When I tore my ACL the year before graduation, my world was completely shattered by having the sport I love taken away from me. After 10 years, I was finally able to get back on the field and play again. It felt like coming home to a space that was so different yet so familiar.

Thank you, Soccer, for being my safe place.

‍

Forever yours,
Kait W.