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September 29, 2020

From Peterborough To The Big Leagues: Jordan Haynes Journey To Becoming A Pro Soccer Player In The CPL

September 29, 2020/ PTBOCANADA

When I was nine years old, I attempted my first time playing the game of soccer competitively. Previously I had only ever played it recreationally in Peterborough's house leagues. I tried out for the U10 team because there was not a competitive team for my age group, and was able to earn a spot.

After the year had finished with the team, I had to play the next season with my age group. Having to play with my age group was something I did not want to do because I felt it was a step backward in my development. I still played the season with the team, but felt discouraged because the level was not demanding enough for me.

Jordan playing for Peterborough City (photo courtesy Jordan Haynes)

The next year was a big jump for me as a player looking for the best opportunity I could grasp. It ended up meaning I would have to go outside my comfort zone and travel to find a team that was going to push me more.

After searching for what was out there for me, I landed in Whitby. Having to drive an hour from Peterborough to and from practices and games was a huge commitment. Not only for myself but my family as well. However, this was only the beginning.

I played two years in Whitby. I still needed to be pushed more, growing too fast to stay at the level. I moved on to play for one of the best teams in the province at that time, Ajax. After spending a year with them, I was allowed to play with the provincial team. Ontario brings in quality players from around the province to train and play games to give them better opportunities to better themselves as players.

I played two years with Ajax and the provincial team, and history repeated itself yet again. It was also no longer enough for me at that level. I then tried out for Toronto FC's U17 team, playing two years above my age.

After playing a year with them, what seemed like the best opportunity to go professional arose. I had the chance to play with a team in England's first division-QPR. The team liked me and wanted to keep me.

Although it seemed to be the best thing to happen to me, the worst thing ended up happening from it. I could not get a visa to stay in England, meaning I would not be able to stay and play with the team. I had to come back to Canada and start over with a new team.

At the age of 16, I was lucky enough to be able to go to Vancouver with the Whitecaps FC. After my first year with them, I was called up to represent my country at the youth level, starting with the u17 team.

Examiner article clipping courtesy Jordan Haynes

Jordan, wearing No. 11 jersey (photo courtesy Jordan Haynes)

Spending time with the national team was one of the best moments in my career so far, as it meant I could attend and compete in a World Cup, traveling to Dubai and UAE. My entire national team career continued with the u20 team. I was shortlisted for the u23 team but did not play with them.

After two years in Vancouver, I was offered my first contract to play professionally, with their second Team WFC2. I was on a pro contract for three years and played two seasons. After my contract ended, the team dissolved, only keeping their first team in the MLS, along with their youth program.

I thought I would be able to find a new team with ease, considering my background and experiences. Although it was not coming to fruition. I would go on to try out for multiple teams, not making any of them.

I was allowed to play for a team in the now Canadian Premier League (CPL), Cavalry FC out in Calgary. But there was a catch. The team was not going to exist until the following year, its inaugural season. So I was playing and training with others that wanted to play for the team next year as well. After the year had ended, the team did not want to continue with me anymore.

The last opportunity I had left was an open tryout for a new pro team in Tucson, Arizona. But I didn’t make it. It was then that I decided not to continue to move on with soccer. It was the end of the road. I remember sitting in the hot tub of the hotel I was staying at, not being able to hold myself up, body weak, tears coming from my eyes.

I had hit rock bottom with soccer.

I had to make a tough but necessary decision that resulted in me going to university and moving on from soccer. I had a few options but ended up at UBC in Vancouver. As chance would have it, I was able to receive a scholarship to play with the men's soccer team at UBC.

Before I went to school, I landed with the local team, TSS Rovers, in Vancouver to help prepare myself for the school season. And I acknowledge them for giving me the spark and love I once had for the game.

I played one year with the team, winning our league and grabbing a few solo accolades. We went on to compete at the national championships for school. That is where my professional career caught some traction again. My now co-head coach, James Merriman, saw something in me at the Championships and wanted to allow me to play professionally again.

Photo of Jordan at signing courtesy Pacific FC

I came to Victoria in March 2020, where I would fight for a spot permanently at Pacific FC, in the CPL. It was then that one of the biggest curveballs came in modern time: COVID-19.

I had to train by myself at home for months, without a guarantee that I would even be on the team come the season. When we were given the green light by the government to resume training as a team, it was now my opportunity to show my worth. I then had to train for another two months without any guarantee still. In July 2020, I was offered a multi-year deal to become a professional soccer player again.

I was once again unable to hold myself up. But this time was different, as I had tears of joy. I sat there, recalling all the dark moments I had to get back to this point and now making it all worthwhile.

Photo of Jordan from the “Island Games” courtesy Canadian Premier League.

Photo of Jordan from the “Island Games” courtesy Canadian Premier League.

Playing in the Island Games recently in Charlottetown, PEI, was a very special moment for me. Having such an experience as my comeback made it all that much sweeter. I'll never forget this tournament, as it was my bounce back, and where I continue my journey.

As well, I am grateful to be considered a pioneer in professional football in Peterborough. What a massive honour. I could not be any happier to be able to do what I love as a boy from the small city of Peterborough and put us on the map.

The only thing I could say to give guidance to anyone wanting to be the next player to do the same as I have, is by telling you to do the same as me. Never give up, and work as hard as you can every single day when everyone is watching, and more importantly, when no one is.

It is a much harder road than people think, but it is possible.

—special guest post by Jordan Haynes

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