Ameer Kinani has earned a place on Vancouver FC’s roster until the end of the 2023 CPL season. Kinani’s journey to be where he is now has been long and hard-fought ever since he moved to Canada when he was seven years old. After playing every level of soccer competition possible in Ontario and going on loan to Spain for a year and a half, Kinani received his first shot at a professional first division when he was selected second overall by Vancouver FC in the 2023 CPL-U SPORTS draft.

“People close to me know I’ve been working very hard since I was young playing with the local teams in Toronto,” says Kinani.

Being part of VFC’s inaugural season has been unique for Kinani as it has allowed him to be part of many historic landmarks with the team. Kinani played a role in VFC’s first match, the first victory, and more importantly, he was on the scoresheet for the first home win. “That moment I will always remember, you know, they say you never forget your first,” recalls Kinani. “The most important thing is, it was our first home win and that was very nice to be in front of all of our fans.”

While that moment ranks at the top of his memories from this year, it is also the impact off the field that he most relishes. Having experienced the difficulties of leaving his home country of Iraq in the midst of a war, he is happy to provide some joy for his family through his football. “My family is really proud of me because there are not a lot of Iraqi players. I think this year I’m the only Iraqi-Canadian player in the league,” shares Kinani.

While he has been part of professional football organizations in the past, this is the first time that Kinani has been part of a first-team squad which has presented new challenges. “I think the most difficult challenge for me this year is not being where we want to be. We want to make our fans proud and all the guys who put in the work behind the scenes,” says Kinani.

Regardless of the results or difficulties, Kinani is driven forward through the unwavering support that he has felt from everyone around him. “I want to thank all the fans, they’re supporting us in everything, in our ups and downs,” shares Kinani. “They support us not only on the field [but] even in our life, they send us messages and love. Always encouraging us.”

Kinani is aware that ending on a high note is not only important to show what this team is capable of, but it is also a personal test. Performances like the one he had during the first home win against Forge, where he assisted and scored, are what the coaching staff expect from him.  

“I’m focusing on the season. There are still seven games left. I just take one at a time and we will see where that will take us at the end of the season,” states Kinani. “Hopefully, I can receive another contract here.”

Join us in the final stretch of the season as we face defending champions, Forge FC, this Sunday, September 3rd. Gates will open one hour before the 2 p.m. kickoff and tickets are available at Gate 1 of the Langley Events Centre or can be obtained by clicking here.