‘Getting to Know…’ is a new segment on Eh Sport 360 which will feature interviews with professional athletes.
In the first interview, I get to know Joseph Di Chiara, Canadian international, and current midfielder for FC Torpedo Moscow in Russia’s Second Division, as he gives his insights on Canadian soccer and its development.
Eh Sport 360: How has soccer development within Canada changed as you have grown through the system?
Joseph: I think that Canadian soccer has gradually progressed over the years. The interest has always been there at the youth level and the talent is good. For me, and I’ve always said this, it is the lack of opportunities as Canadian players get older. For me, I was fortunate to have a European coach who helped me with my steps into becoming a professional, but for many players they aren’t as fortunate. At the ages 16, 17, and 18 (perhaps even younger), the opportunity to become a professional is very difficult. At these ages becoming a professional and getting into that environment and atmosphere is crucial. But now, with the introduction of the MLS academy and the and first teams no matter how poorly they do, this is a big positive change for Canadian soccer.
Eh Sport 360: So as you progressed through the system, was there ever a time when you said to yourself that a certain aspect has to change and needed improvement?
Joseph: Coaching. This is the biggest change that had to be made when I was growing up and still could be greatly improved today. Getting coaches into the Canadian youth system with experience has to be the number one priority for Canadian soccer. Giving players the proper training at the youth levels as well as having them play in competitive environments. You kind of have to look at it from a hockey perspective. Growing up playing hockey as well, I was always playing against good players and good teams which allows you to develop faster as a player. There would also be coaches who not necessarily had great experience, but knew enough to instill proper attitude and knowledge about the game. The same has to be done with Canadian soccer but this will take some time, but we are heading in the right direction no doubt.
Eh Sport 360: Do you think Canadian soccer has addressed this problem somewhat, or are we still lagging behind most countries in this area?
Joseph: We are lagging behind most countries but we have started to address this issue slowly, especially with the introduction of the MLS academies which are trying (very much) to promote youth soccer.
Eh Sport 360: Having played soccer in Canada for so long, and now playing in Russia, what would you say is the main difference between our program and a more European program such as theirs?
Joseph: The programs are very similar. At youth levels back in canada we have kids playing and training everyday like kids in Europe do. I think it just comes down to that little bit of attitude and dreams. Most kids in Europe dream to play professional football and it’s been like that for years so they spend that little bit of extra time everyday to get better, where as kids in Canada may have a different mentality. It’s just a little thing like that, that might make a difference. Also you have other factors like facilities aren’t as good or there aren’t as many soccer pitches in Canada as there are in Europe.
Eh Sport 360: What’s it been like playing in Russia professionally after playing at the developmental level in Canada for pretty much your whole life?
Joseph: The difference is huge. You try to prepare yourself as much as possible to make the big jump into the pro life, but you are always taken by surprise the first couple trainings at the speed and quality of the other players. But once you get accustomed to how things are, the way of life, things are much easier.
Joseph Di Chiara as a member of his first professional team, PFC Krylia Sovetov Samara (in the Russian Premier League), back in 2011.
Eh Sport 360: What was it like getting called up to the men’s national team for a couple World Cup qualifiers?
Joseph: It was good to get out there with a different team and play with guys you can talk too. It was a good experience even though I didn’t play. I would like to establish myself with my club team first though.
Eh Sport 360: Why do you think it’s better to establish yourself at club level first before playing multiple times for your national team?
Joseph: Right now it’s more important for my club soccer to progress. Playing for Canada is not like playing for a big national team program. I guess I’m in no rush to play.
Eh Sport 360: What do you think the danger is of rushing into national play before you establish yourself at the club level? Is there a danger at all?
Joseph: No danger at all to be honest, just not the right time for me.
Eh Sport 360: In terms of your club career, do you see yourself coming back to Canada to play in MLS, or is the European game more appealing to you?
Joseph: If I wanted to play there I would have never left (Canada) to come here. I always had ambitions of playing in England or Germany, and starting out here (in Europe). I was never interested in the MLS. I’ve watched some games and it is very amateur.
Eh Sport 360: With Canada having been eliminated from World Cup qualification in brutal fashion, and recently with the 0-3 finish at the Gold Cup, what would you say is the main improvement that must be made in order for Canada to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia? Is this newly implemented Long Term Player Development program the most important improvement?
Joseph: Qualify for the World Cup in 2018? That will be tough. The Canadian program must take baby steps. The 2018 World Cup should not be in anyone’s minds. Getting a good group of players together under the new coach and winning our next friendly is what should be first priority.
It is clear from my interview with Joseph that Canada is clearly lacking in the development of its soccer players. In his opinion, coaching is a big aspect of the program which needs major improvement. Hopefully with the introduction of the long term player development program in all provincial associations under the CSA (Canadian Soccer Association), coaching will take a turn for the better. Joseph has been one of the privileged few that had the resources necessary in order to become a professional soccer player. Though early in his career, Joseph has already experienced European soccer, as well as being called up to the Canadian Men’s National Team. Once we can start creating players like Joseph who are committed to their development as players, Canada may finally start to make a comeback in the world of soccer.
I have known Joseph since high school and it was a pleasure to interview him.
Good luck with the rest of your soccer career Joseph. The rest of the Eh Sport 360 fan-base, and Canadian soccer fans all over, are rooting for you!
Joseph was called up to the Canadian Men’s National Team back in 2011 for a pair of World Cup Qualifiers. (Photo courtesy of the Canadian Soccer Association)
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