The smell of a barbeque, music playing at the public pool, and trucks picking up boats from the water are the scenes at Port Moody’s Rocky Point Park on a warm Tuesday night. Vancouver FC defender, Anthony White, is lying on the ground, soaking in the moment under a cotton-candy sky sunset. “This is honestly breathtaking. You can’t really find much better spots than this for sure,” says White before his older brother Nikolas arrives with some cookie dough ice cream. 

The cold treat brings back memories from when Anthony just started playing football at the age of five. “After my first game ever with Port Moody Soccer Club, my dad took me here and he got me cookie dough ice cream.” Back then, Mr. White was a coach for Port Moody and remembers Anthony initially being a shy, timid kid but one who had a lot of character. While Anthony tried other sports like basketball and baseball, it was on a football field that he truly found his passion and himself. 

“Soccer always resembled my personality a little bit more [than other sports]. I felt like you could be a little bit more vocal but also be around more teammates on the field. I thought there were a lot more positions and roles you can fulfill on the team,” explains Anthony. 

As with many professional players, the passion for football is a familial bond for Anthony and is deeply rooted in the White household. Every time his family sits down together, the conversation revolves around football and they don’t miss any major tournament. They even framed the tickets of every match they attended at the Euro 2012 tournament as a memorial to one of the best family trips they ever had. “[My dad] just spread that passion through the house and it trickled down to me and my brother,” recalls Anthony. 

Having that family support has been key for Anthony’s development, especially the bond he has with his brother. Nikolas is two years older than Anthony and also plays as a center back. Consequently, for most of the challenges Anthony faced, Nikolas overcame the same situations before and had the perfect advice for his little brother. “He has been a very important figure in my life, for sure. He is a big reason why I’m at the level I am today,” explains Anthony. 

Proof of how powerful the link between these brothers is came when they played together for the same team for the first time. The White brothers were the two center backs for TSS Rovers in the inaugural season of League 1 BC and helped the team to a championship title. “I hang [my League1 BC medal] up in my room where I could see it every morning,” says White. “I was at an age where I could choose to go on a different path. Stay focused on school or continue playing soccer.”

Although Nikolas decided to put priority on finishing his Psychology studies at Harvard, Anthony could not ignore the opportunity that presented itself when Vancouver FC selected him in the U-Sports draft. This not only meant making his dreams come true but it was also a rare opportunity to represent other young athletes from his hometown. “I represent the kids from the youth teams that I have played on before. I have been in their shoes […] and it shows that there are multiple pathways [to play professionally] and you just have to persevere and follow your dreams.”

These aren’t empty words as Anthony backs them up with actions. During the off-season, Anthony will be doing volunteer coaching at his youth club Port Moody Soccer Club. “This community has given me lots and a big part of my character is to give back.” For Anthony’s dad this is more important than training itself because all the players have the same training sessions but it is “what you do away from the field that will separate you and make you different”. 

Just like the summer escapes that can be found at Rocky Point Park, Anthony is trying to do the same with his football. Always with a big smile like the ones of the welcoming and kind people of Port Moody. The timid kid is now a confident defender who fights fiercely representing his community.

Watch and support the future of Anthony White and other local heroes right in your backyard at any one of Vancouver FC’s home matches. The team’s next match is Sunday, September 3 with a 2 p.m. kick off and tickets can be purchased here or at Gate 1 of the Langley Events Centre.