Sam Adekugbe
PROFILE
A promising left fullback with playing experience in the United Kingdom and Canada, British-born Sam Adekugbe joined Whitecaps FC Residency in Sept. 2011 from Calgary Foothills Soccer Club.
INTERNATIONAL
U-18: Adekugbe was called up to a week-long training camp with the Canadian U-18 team in November 2012.
MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER RESERVE LEAGUE
2012: As a 17-year-old, Adekugbe made his MLS Reserve League debut for Whitecaps FC reserves, as they drew 1-1 at home to Seattle Sounders FC reserves on Mar. 26. The defender played the second half of the season opener at Thunderbird Stadium on the campus of the University of British Columbia after replacing Jordan Harvey at halftime.
YOUTH/AMATEUR
Before moving to his current hometown of Calgary, Alberta, the defender played youth soccer in Manchester, England, with AFC Clayton (2000 to 2004) before immigrating to Canada and his current hometown of Calgary, Alberta, with his family in 2004. From 2004 to 2009, Adekugbe played for Calgary Foothills Saints before spending two years with Calgary Foothills Rapids (2009 to 2011). During his time at Calgary Foothills, the defender won three Calgary Minor Soccer Association tier-one championship titles and two Alberta provincial indoor titles. He also represented his home province of Alberta at the U-13 and U-16 levels.
PERSONAL
Hailing from Manchester, England, Adekugbe immigrated to Canada and his current hometown of Calgary, Alberta, at a young age. The defender's parents are Dee and Ben Adekugbe, while his younger brother Elijah is also a member of Whitecaps FC Residency. He also has three sisters named Abigail, Debbie, and Ruth. He first attended Nicholas Varley Community School in Manchester, England (1999 to 2004) before attending Calgary's Midnapore School (2004 to 2006). He then attended Sir Winston Churchill High School (2009-10) and Dr. E.P. Scarlett High School (2010-11) in Calgary, Alberta.
INTERESTING FACTS
When not playing soccer, Adekugbe enjoys reading soccer autobiographies and going to movies with his friends. His favourite team is English Premier League giants Manchester City FC, while he is also a fan of Manchester United's Welsh star Ryan Giggs and current Chelsea FC and England left fullback Ashley Cole. He would like to play at Wembley Stadium in London, England, and Manchester United's Old Trafford home one day. The defender likes eating linguini with Bolognese sauce, chicken, and garlic toast.