Covering the FTF Winter College Combine was a full-circle moment for me.
First Touch Football (Canada) has become one of the country’s leading platforms for player identification and recruitment, providing meaningful exposure opportunities for aspiring footballers.
Years ago, during my undergrad at Brock University, I had the opportunity to intern with Future Talent Football (FTF). At the time, the organization was still growing, building its vision, and laying the foundation for what it has now become. Seeing the scale, professionalism, and impact of this combine today was a reminder of just how far FTF has come—and how important their work has become for Canadian players.
From Internship to Impact
When I first worked with FTF as a student, the mission was clear:
create real opportunities for Canadian players to be seen, evaluated, and recruited.
Fast forward to today, and that mission has turned into a proven platform. The Winter College Combine showcased not only the quality of talent across the country, but also the structure, exposure, and credibility FTF now brings to every event they run. College coaches, scouts, and evaluators weren’t just present—they were engaged.
Filling a Critical Gap in the System
Growing up in the Canadian soccer system, pathways were limited.
By addressing a long-standing gap in the Canadian development system, First Touch Football has created new avenues for players pursuing opportunities beyond domestic leagues.
For many players, recruitment options outside of Canada were scarce, unclear, or inaccessible. Unless you had the right connections or resources, moving on to the next level—especially to U.S. college soccer—felt out of reach.
FTF has helped fill that void.
By creating combines like this, FTF has given Canadian players:
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Direct access to college exposure
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A professional evaluation environment
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A legitimate recruitment pipeline beyond domestic leagues
This isn’t just about individual players—it’s about the growth of the entire Canadian game.
A Platform That Elevates Players
What stood out most at the Winter College Combine was how intentional everything felt. From the organization of sessions to the way players were evaluated, it was clear that FTF understands what recruiters are actually looking for.
They’re not just hosting events—they’re:
Preparing players for the next level
Educating them on the recruitment process
Helping them transition from potential to placement
That’s the difference between exposure and real opportunity.
Looking Ahead
FTF has grown into more than an organization—it’s become a pipeline.
A pipeline that will continue to:
Elevate Canadian talent
Expand access to international opportunities
Strengthen Canada’s presence in the global football landscape
Having been part of FTF’s journey early on, it was inspiring to now cover an event that represents how far they’ve come—and where they’re headed.
The Canadian game is better because of platforms like this. And for players with dreams of playing at the next level, FTF is helping make those dreams attainable.