PROFILE
A dynamic midfielder that has represented Canada at the youth international level, Mitchell Piraux joined Whitecaps FC Residency in September 2011 after playing for Calgary Foothills Rapids U-16 squad.
UNITED SOCCER LEAGUE
2016: Piraux made three regular season appearances, making one start and one assist - both coming in the season opener versus Orange County Blues FC. 2015: He appeared in seven of the first eight matches for Whitecaps FC 2, five as a starting holding midfielder, before being sidelined with injury.
UNITED STATES SOCCER DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY
2012-13: The Calgary, Alberta native started 31 of his 34 appearances in the regular season for Whitecaps FC U-18 Residency, scoring five goals on the season including a key goal in a 2-1 home victory against Crossfire Premier on June 1, 2013. 2011-12: Piraux started 27 of the 28 games he played for Whitecaps FC U-16 Residency, scoring three goals on the season including the opening goal against Crossfire Premier in a 4-1 win on May 24, 2012.
ENGLISH LEAGUE ONE
2010-11: In August 2010, Piraux travelled to England for a two-week trial with Swindon Town FC. The midfielder trained with Swindon Town's U-16 and U-18 academy teams and had the opportunity to play against the academy teams of Arsenal FC, Cardiff City FC, and Manchester City FC.
INTERNATIONAL
U-18: In November 2011, Piraux took part in a 10-day training camp in San Jose, Costa Rica, with Canada’s U-18 development squad. In October 2013, he was also called up to the Canadian U-18 team for an October 8 to 14 camp in Guatemala. U-15: As a member of Canada's U-15 national team, Piraux played in a 3-1 win (October 28, 2010) and a 2-1 defeat (October 30, 2010) versus the United States U-15 squad at The Home Depot Center complex in Carson, California. Piraux has also trained with the Canadian Soccer Association's National Training Centre (Prairies region) program.
YOUTH/AMATEUR
Starting his soccer career at the U-10 level, the midfielder appeared for Eastside Soccer Club, NorthWest Soccer Club, and Calgary Blizzard Soccer Club until the U-14 level in his hometown of Calgary, Alberta. He then moved to Calgary Foothills Soccer Club, where he played for their top-tier Rapids team at U-14 and U-16 levels. His time in Calgary youth soccer includes three Alberta provincial indoor championship titles at the U-12 (2006-07), U-14 (2008-09), and U-16 (2009-10) levels. Piraux also represented the province of Alberta at the U-15 and U-16 levels.
PERSONAL
A product of Calgary, Alberta, the midfielder's parents are Glenda and Tim Piraux, while he has a sister named Jordan. As a student, Piraux attended Pineridge Elementary School (2001 to 2007), Clarence Sansom Junior High School (2007 to 2010), and Central Memorial High School (2010 to 2011). Piraux graduated from Burnaby Central Secondary School in June 2013.
INTERESTING FACTS
When the 5-foot-8 midfielder is not concentrating on his soccer career, he enjoys playing video games, listening to music, as well as playing other sports like golf and tennis. His favourite food is chicken and pasta, while he enjoys following his favourite team Manchester United FC and one day dreams to play at their legendary homefield of Old Trafford. He has a superstition of watching motivational videos before every match, and he puts his socks and boots on a very specific way prior to each game.