There’s a lot of I’m grateful for this Thanksgiving.
Family, friends, loved ones and of course great food come to mind. But I’m also thankful to be a member of Vancouver Whitecaps FC.
Here’s why.
You are the number one fans
We’ve had our ups and downs on the field since joining Major League Soccer, but the one thing that has been consistent is our fans. They have truly created a fabulous atmosphere at BC Place that has become talk of the town.
It used to be you’d have to travel to Europe or South America to experience this unique soccer atmosphere, which was so hard to describe to someone who had not experienced it before.
Now, we have it in our own backyard.
Many first timers have gone to watch our ‘Caps play and been blown away with the energy in the building. Our great fans bring that energy on the road, too. Every time we watch the team play away from home we can see Whitecaps FC supporters in the stadium being loud and proud as they wear our colours and sing our songs.
I’ve also had the pleasure of hosting our viewing parties all over the Lower Mainland. It’s always a packed house.
You really are the number one fans.
A club that cares about the community
As a club ambassador, I get to be a part of so many amazing events and meet so many amazing people who do amazing things. The fact that I used “amazing” in that sentence three times says something.
I’m so thankful that this club truly believes in connecting with our community. Everyone buys in, including the players. I’ve never seen a group that engages as much with the general public – be it fans or other members of the community – as well as this one does.
As a club, we can make a difference. For example, last month we announced a donation of $1 million dollars to the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation.
Watching the players interact with some of the kids at the hospital, however, was priceless.
A team on the rise
This has been an exciting season for many reasons.
We have been near the top of the table, we’re the best road team, we qualified for the playoffs a second year in the row, and of course we won our first Voyageurs Cup.
But what makes me even more excited is looking at where this team can go in the near future. Carl Robinson and his staff have done a wonderful job putting this squad together. The ‘Caps have a group of young, hungry players who give their all every night.
In fact, we have the youngest team in MLS.
They’re only going to get better.
Healthy and happy
This one isn’t about the team, but I wanted to mention it anyway.
Having my first major surgery (double knee replacement) made me realize how important our health really is. We strive for many things in life and take our health for granted until something drastic happens.
I have to laugh because I do buy the odd lottery ticket hoping to win the jackpot, but the reality is you have more than any lottery can give you if you and your loved ones are reasonably healthy. As a club ambassador, I often meet some great people who are going through tremendous challenges.
They’d probably give everything for them or their loved ones to regain full health.
So here’s to a happy and healthy Thanksgiving.
Carl Valentine, an inductee of the Whitecaps FC Ring of Honour, is the club's all-time leader in appearances and fourth all-time in goals scored. Currently, Valentine serves as a club ambassador and U-16 Residency assistant coach.
