Brad Beaumont has travelled more than 4,000 kilometres to realize his dream of playing professional soccer.
Beaumont, a 23-year-old Courtice resident, is nearing the end of his first season with W Connection FC of the TT Pro League, the first division in Trinidad and Tobago, but he's hoping for a longer stay.
The six-foot-one, 170-pound defender looked into pro possibilities as he wrapped up a scholarship at Saint Bonaventure University last May, and was hooked up with the club through his agent, Leslie Fitzpatrick, a coach for Toronto Skillz Soccer Academy.
He's found a difference in both lifestyle and the style of play, but he's thoroughly enjoyed his stay since arriving in late January.
"I have found this team to be very inviting, talented and physical. I have been able to adjust well and am improving with each session," Beaumont said in an e-mail exchange, pointing out that his contract expires at the end of the season. "I think with the progress and talent that I possess, the team might try and extend that. Only time can tell however."
W Connection FC is one of the most successful clubs in Trinidad and Tobago’s soccer history, with five TT Pro League titles and as many second-place finishes.
Beaumont recently took part in the 2015 TTFA FA Trophy final at the Ato Boldon Stadium, and despite losing after a 5-4 penalty shootout to the North East Stars, enjoyed the experience of playing in front of a large and raucous crowd.
"In my short career thus far this has been the biggest game of my career," said Beaumont, who has competed at OFSAA with Courtice Secondary School and conference championships at Saint Bonaventure. "I feel like I had learned a lot from this game and how to handle the pressure better now."
Beaumont played several sports growing up, including hockey and basketball, and remembers soccer becoming fun for him again under coach Karen Michalicka with the Ajax Rapids.
At Saint Bonaventure, he not only developed his game to the extent of turning pro, but also earned a sociology degree that has served him well off the field.
"It’s different compared to Courtice that’s for sure but all the people in my life have helped me learn to accept and with my sociology degree I’ve been able to understand different cultures." he said. "It’s hard not to enjoy the lifestyle here. I’m getting paid to do something I love. It’s been an amazing opportunity and I am very grateful."
In addition to the remainder of the league schedule and a few other games, W Connection has the Caribbean Club championship coming up in mid-April, a three-game round-robin with playoffs that could send the team to the CONCACAF Champions league.
Beaumont said he is living comfortably in his new surroundings and recently had a visit from his mother and girlfriend to celebrate his birthday. He hopes to bring the game as far as possible before settling down and finding work associated with his degree.
"I obviously dream of going far in this which is why I have been and currently am still excited to play for W Connection FC, but I can’t assure anything," he said. "Life has thrown me a few curve balls already and I’m just taking it one day at a time."