From Backyard Soccer to the Pro Leagues: Zak Drake’s Global Journey in the Beautiful Game

From Backyard Soccer to the Pro Leagues: Zak Drake’s Global Journey in the Beautiful Game

In this inspiring episode of The SPORTi Podcast host Laura sits down with Zak Drake — a professional soccer player, world class athlete, and founder of CanXL Soccer — to unpack his incredible journey from Ottawa's backyard fields to professional stadiums across Brazil, Germany, Australia, and the U.S.

Zak shares how growing up in a soccer-centered family, playing two years up with his brother, and traveling internationally as a teen shaped his love for the game and fueled his relentless pursuit of a pro career. His story is filled with lessons on resilience, adaptability, and the power of joy in sports — key takeaways for young athletes, parents, and coaches alike.

Zak also dives into his current life as a Major League Indoor Soccer player with the Canadian Crusaders and his mission to give back to the next generation through CanXL Soccer — a modern training program focused on developing players of all levels. From learning Portuguese while playing in Brazil to achieving a childhood dream of playing alongside soccer legend Freddy Adu, Zak's story is a testament to following your passion, working hard through obstacles, and always remembering to have fun.

Whether you’re a parent of a young athlete or an aspiring soccer star yourself, this episode is packed with valuable insights and motivation.

Denne episoden er hentet fra en åpen RSS-feed og er ikke publisert av Podme. Den kan derfor inneholde annonser.

Episoder(40)

Building Global Pathways: Coach Joe Parolini and Toronto Blizzard

Building Global Pathways: Coach Joe Parolini and Toronto Blizzard

EPISODE 40Building Global Pathways with Joe Parolini & @TorontoBlizzardIn this episode of The SPORTi Podcast, host Laura sits down with Joe Parolini, owner of the historic Toronto Blizzard soccer acad...

4 Nov 202541min

From Toronto to NCAA D1 Soccer: Hailey & Vanessa on Adapting, Competing & Thriving

From Toronto to NCAA D1 Soccer: Hailey & Vanessa on Adapting, Competing & Thriving

In this episode of The SPORTi Podcast, host Laura interviews athletes Hailey (@hailey.soccer_3) and Vanessa (@vwl0122), two Canadian soccer players from the Toronto area who now play collegiate D1 soc...

23 Okt 202535min

For the Joy of the Game & Playing with Passion: we sit with the 2016 Team from DNLP

For the Joy of the Game & Playing with Passion: we sit with the 2016 Team from DNLP

In this episode of The SPORTi Podcast, host Laura sits with Coach Kevin and his 2016 DNLP boys’ soccer team. @dnlp_futcolThe discussion highlights the academy’s philosophy of developing a passion for ...

20 Okt 202515min

Tamara's Hockey Journey: From Timbits in the GTA to getting drafted to the PWHL

Tamara's Hockey Journey: From Timbits in the GTA to getting drafted to the PWHL

In this episode of The SPORTi Podcast, host Pam is joined by Tamara Giaquinto — standout Canadian hockey player from Boston University, who captained the team in 2024–25, earned the 2024 Hockey East D...

30 Sep 202541min

From Injuries to Pro: Coach Lexi's Road to Portugal, Youth Development & Building FSF

From Injuries to Pro: Coach Lexi's Road to Portugal, Youth Development & Building FSF

In this episode of The SPORTi Podcast, host Laura sits down with Coach Lexi—pro player turned performance coach and founder of Female Soccer Fitness (FSF). From tearing her ACL three times to earning ...

8 Sep 202539min

Inside the Girls' Hockey Pathway with Coach Mike Fuoco

Inside the Girls' Hockey Pathway with Coach Mike Fuoco

In this episode of The SPORTi Podcast, Pam sits down with Mike Fuoco, head coach of the Etobicoke Dolphins U15 AA team, to dive deep into the world of girls’ hockey in Ontario. Mike shares his persona...

4 Sep 202538min

Stick Skills & Life Lessons: Inside Maliya Holder's Lacrosse Path

Stick Skills & Life Lessons: Inside Maliya Holder's Lacrosse Path

In this episode of The SPORTi Podcast, host Pam sits with multi-sport athlete Maliya Holder who shares her journey from growing up in a hockey family to discovering her true passion for Lacrosse. She ...

26 Aug 202520min

The Power of Sport: Overcoming Adversity, Reigniting Passion, and Leading Through Soccer On & Off the Field

The Power of Sport: Overcoming Adversity, Reigniting Passion, and Leading Through Soccer On & Off the Field

In this episode of The SPORTi Podcast, Laura sits down with Rachel Bugera, a former figure skater and competitive soccer player who has turned her athletic journey into a mission of service and empowe...

18 Aug 202548min

Populært innen Sport

alt-fortalt
fastlegen
tv-2-b-laget
fotballpodden-2
ballspark
rss-gukild-johaug
viaplay-premier-league-pod
tv-2-spiss-vinkel
rss-tv-2-snakk-sport-2
rss-aftenball
viaplay-motor-pod
breaking-marathon-limits
unitedno
studio-a
liverpoolno-pausepraten
rabona
rotsekk-en-podcast-i-sort-hvitt
fantasyradet
fotballpreik
viaplay-fantasy-premier-league