Brampton, Ontario has been Canada’s soccer hotbed for years now, and the community is looking to honour some of its top exports.
Six players with ties to the city played for Canada at this summer’s FIFA World Cup, the most of anywhere in the country, and mayor Patrick Brown has proposed renaming pitches after each of them as recognition. Brown’s motion to city council says that renaming the fields would “celebrate their achievements, foster civic pride, and further strengthen Brampton’s legacy as a leader in the development of soccer talent.”
Tajon Buchanan, Promise David, Cyle Larin, Liam Millar, Jayden Nelson and Jonathan Osorio all wore the red and white at the tournament co-hosted by nearby Toronto as well as Vancouver, and both Larin and David scored at the tournament. Larin’s goal in Toronto, assisted by David, secured Canada’s first-ever World Cup point in front of a rocking crowd at BMO Field.
David’s goal, two games later in Canada’s group stage finale, was equally impressive and nearly inspired a memorable Canadian comeback at BC Place in Vancouver.
A couple of incredible seasons in Belgium, paired with his strong World Cup showing, have clubs like German side Stuttgart hovering around Royale Union Saint-Gilloise for a potential transfer. Millar recently won promotion to the Premier League with Hull City, something Larin’s Southampton missed out on due to off-field issues, while Buchanan is ripping it up in La Liga with Villarreal.
Nelson — now with Austin FC — and Osorio have also both played for Toronto FC, with Osorio currently the team’s captain and all-time record holder for appearances, passing the 400 mark earlier this season.
Brampton already has the Atiba Hutchinson Soccer Court and pitches named after Olympic champions Kadeisha Buchanan and Ashley Lawrence. Junior Hoilett, Doneil Henry, Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty, Kwasi Poku, Shola Jimoh, Jay Chapman and Ayo Akinola are among the city’s other major exports — along with longtime MLS and CPL referee David Barrie.