With Vancouver FC gearing up for their first official match as a club and facing their first derby this Saturday when they visit Pacific FC the squad is full of excitement. But for newly announced team captain, Callum Irving, and fullback, Kadin Chung, there’s a little extra riding on this game as they return to Starlight Stadium, where they became legends for the Tridents back in 2021 after lifting the North Start Shield in 2021.
Even though both players have a special place close to their hearts for Pacific, Irving knows that on Saturday it will be just about business for 90 minutes. “Whatever kind of response, positive or negative, they give me, I’ll accept it as it is all part of the sport that we play, you know, we are all competitive.”
Kadin Chung running with the ball during a preseason match (Beau Chevalier / Vancouver FC)
Experience building from zero
For Chung, the Vancouver FC expansion project feels like deja vu. Just like a lot of the players in the current squad, the 24-year-old defender was taking his first steps in football when he became Pacific FC´s first-ever signing in 2019. “We have a young team and guys who are looking for leaders and inspiration. I have been in their shoes and now I feel like I can share some lessons, experiences and maturity with the team”
As Kadin grew alongside Pacific, the right-back eventually helped the team claim their first Canadian Premier League Championship in 2021, an achievement that not many can relate to. “There are not many players in this league that have won the championship, and I feel like that experience is something I don’t take lightly. I feel like there is such thing as a winner’s mentality and hopefully, Callum and I can transfer that to this group”.
Callum Irving signing autographs after a match (Beau Chevalier / Vancouver FC)
Connecting with the community
While the memories both players made on the Island will never be forgotten, there is a local connection that made the decision to come to Vancouver FC easy and more special. Chung was born in Port Coquitlam and was part of the Coquitlam Metro Ford youth system, while Irving is a Vancouver native, starting his football career with Marpole SC. Kadin and Callum are eager to bring pride back to the cities that have helped shape them into the players they are today and have continuously supported them in their careers, especially these last few months.
“We’ve seen it every single preseason game that we have had, no matter where we have played, there have been great crowds. They have been really enthusiastic in supporting us and wanting to get to know us,” commented the team captain.
On top of that, Chung says having a derby as their first official match is the best platform to showcase all the work the lads have put in during a lengthy preseason. “There’s a little bit of added fight and hunger that we have because it is a derby and we want to prove a point as well. A lot of people are not giving us credit or the props we deserve because they don’t know who we are as a club. So it’s gonna be a statement game for us.”
Rocco Romeo and Kahlil John-Wentworth enjoying the kickoff party with the fans (Claire Ye / Vancouver FC)
Kickoff party
Just before the squad embarked on their trip to Victoria, Kadin Chung and fellow teammates, Gabriel Bitar, Rocco Romeo, Elliot Simmons, Nathaniel St. Louis, Marcus Simmons and Kahlil John-Wentworth, had the opportunity to meet some of the dedicated fans in a meet & greet experience for season ticket holders. “It puts a face to the fans. It allows us to see who is supporting us and get in touch with the community,” said Kahlil John-Wentworth.
Supporters had the chance to buy discounted merchandise, while a couple of lucky supporters won a home and away kit in a raffle. Season ticket holders were the first to believe in the team and to make this belief even more impactful, some of these founding members will jump on an exclusive bus to cheer on Vancouver FC in their first official match.
“I think when you hear your fans in an away stadium, it always gives you a little bit of a boost knowing they have travelled and fighting with you,” said Irving.
Just like our captain and goalie, Callum Irving, we can’t wait to see you all in the stands this Saturday.
You are still on time to be a founding member and enjoy exclusive events and giveaways. Join us in the dark side and cheer us on this historic season by getting your tickets here.
