Quality Time | Jeevan Badwal, presented by GE Appliances

In this edition of 'Quality Time' presented by GE Appliances, Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2 (WFC2) midfielder Jeevan Badwal shares his story so far, his excitement for his future at the club, and his aspirations for the upcoming Concacaf U-20 Championship.

I think one of our biggest goals with Whitecaps FC 2, is making playoffs. Which is a big thing for both this team and for the larger club, obviously. But as a player, I'm just trying to do what I do best for the team to help them in making the playoffs.

What ignited your passion for soccer and do you have any standout memories that fuelled your love for the sport?

My passion for soccer started with just going out to the field and getting the ball under my feet. We would play everywhere. Growing up, my family and my cousins, would always just push me to play. I think some of my greatest memories are going on football trips with my family, with my teammates and just playing.

Are there any particular influences you've had in life that led you to be a football fan?

I think my dad. I wouldn't say he forced me into the game, but he put me into the game and sparked my passion. I remember going to Whitecaps games was a big thing for us growing up, and just seeing great players all the time was amazing. Even now, just seeing great guys like Andrés Cubas, inspires me. He's one of my idols and watching him play is a big thing.

Could you talk us through what some of the milestones or challenges you have faced on your way into professional soccer?

I think just going up against players that were better than me, was one big thing. But obviously, that challenged me to get better and work hard growing up. Playing in Surrey and playing in Vancouver, that was obviously a big challenge for me just growing up and playing against the best of the best. But then going down to other countries and playing in the U.S., I was able to see different players, different advantages and disadvantages. And I think that's one of the big things that helped me in my career, was playing against different people, playing in different areas and challenging environments.

How would you describe your style of play on the field?

I think I'm very calm. I like to dictate possession. I like to keep the ball. I also like to work really hard to win it back. I really value linking up with my teammates and look to play the ball. I like to look forward, find shooting options for other teammates and just honestly defend aggressively as well.

Now as you begin to start your professional career with Whitecaps FC 2, what are the objectives that you're currently focused on achieving, whether they're Whitecaps-related or even with Team Canada?

I think one of the ones with Whitecaps FC 2, is making playoffs, which is a big thing for the team and for the club, obviously. But as a player, I'm just trying to do what I do best for the team to help them in making the playoffs. As for Canada, right now I'm actually just looking forward to the Concacaf U-20 Tournament. We just qualified recently. So that's one of the biggest things.

How have your fellow teammates and players within the first-team environment helped support and guide you since you first signed with the team?

They have all supported me a lot, especially during pre-season. They were really helping me, guiding me and doing the best they could to help me get better. They would never get mad at me but would teach me, and educate me a lot on what to do and how to improve. Especially the players in my position and are similar to me, guys like Sebastian, Andrés and even Ryan (Gauld) the captain, they would all help me a lot.

On April 6, Vancouver Whitecaps FC will be celebrating Vaisakhi against Toronto FC and you will be celebrating Vaisakhi yourself later in the month. Overall what does the celebration mean to you and your family?

Vaisakhi means a lot to us, we get to celebrate a time of culture and really enjoy all of the elements in our environment. Obviously, the parade is a huge thing for us and we really like to go to the parade if we're not busy, but we like to go and just walk around and see familiar faces, get some food and just learn about our culture a lot. It's just a big cultural environment for all of us.

How important do you think it is that the Whitecaps FC are celebrating South Asian culture at this match?

I think it's a really good thing because we have a big community, not only in Surrey, but all around the Lower Mainland. A lot of them come out to watch the games and they actually like what the Whitecaps are doing with this. Especially with playing with the second team, a lot of South Asian people or the South Asian community know what's going on and they come up to me and say congratulations and stuff. There are a lot of people that follow soccer, that follow the Whitecaps and they come out to games and we have a big community that really loves the sport. Watching means a lot to them and celebrating means a lot to the South Asian community.

What are some of your individual objectives in the future?

I think some of my main objectives for the future are obviously to try and make the first team and then long term I would love to make the senior national team and maybe even play in the World Cup coming up in Canada.

Whitecaps FC are back at home next Saturday, April 6 as they face Canadian rivals Toronto FC on Vaisakhi Night, featuring a performance from world-renowned bhangra artist Jazzy B. For tickets, visit whitecapsfc.com/tickets.