Juan Pablo Delgadillo, a 20-year-old defensive midfielder for North Toronto Soccer’s League1 Ontario Men’s Premier Division team, has been at the club for six years.
We asked him some questions about his time at the club, on and off the field.
From your first kick at North Toronto Soccer to now, how would you describe your experience?
It’s been almost dream-like. Joining one of the best 2003 teams in the country was no easy task and the expectations to perform were higher than ever, but that environment allowed me to flourish and gave me a competitive edge that helped me attend multiple professional trials during my time with the club.
Thanks to that environment, my time at North Toronto has been filled with success – winning the OPDL [Ontario Player Development League], Charity Shield, futsal tournaments, and beating European giants like Eintracht Frankfurt on their home turf. I’ve also made many great friendships during my time at North Toronto, most which continue to this day.
What is your main highlight from your time at North Toronto Soccer?
Playing in the Charity Shield Final against Richmond Hill. It was my first final with North Toronto and we were undeniably favourites heading into the game, but we went down 1-0 early on and I remember seeing the panic in our eyes as being behind a goal was not normal to us.
I remember so vividly telling the team to relax and be patient and just as any fairytale goes, we ended up playing some of the best soccer I have ever seen a youth team play, connecting passes and making ridiculous plays. We ended up scoring several goals and won the cup. Playing in that game was something special, and what made it even more special was being able to score the 2-1 goal and celebrating together as a team. What a feeling.
How pleased are you with your progress so far this year?
My progress this year has been amazing. As one of the top teams in the League1 Ontario Men’s Premier Division, our expectations are very high and being in that environment makes me want to improve every training session. I like to stay after training to hit free kicks; it’s something I’ve always done since I was little, and those extra hours always pay off come game time. My motivation to get better as a player is still there and every training for me is an opportunity to improve.
How do you prepare for each gameday?
For gamedays, I prepare by making sure I’m in a good mood. If something is bothering me, I’ll forget about it for the day and just focus on the game. I like listening to Spanish music and being around my family.
Playing when I’m in a good mood makes me not only enjoy the game but helps me perform better. I also like to arrive to the field in a nice outfit. Looking good is feeling good and that translates to the game as well.
What are your thoughts on your upcoming games?
We have arguably some of the toughest games of the season coming up in these next three weeks but looking at our team and the depth we have, I strongly believe we will get a result. With the playoff race being so tight, securing three points from every match is extremely important.
This year our team is so strong, and some of our players are incredible. We have a chance of winning the league with this team.
Which fellow North Toronto Soccer player is helping to bring the best out of you?
I have a lot of teammates that bring the best out of me but if I were to pick one it would be Bilal – a very talented 2004-born midfielder. Throughout my career I have always been in a position where I was the younger player trying to earn a starting spot over an older player, however as time passed, the tables turned. Bilal is a player that reminds me of myself – he is so passionate about the sport and will stay after training and train more. His work ethic is amazing and watching him train on his own reminds me that I need to do the same even when I don’t feel like it.
Do you have any interests beyond soccer, and if so, why are they important to you?
Beyond soccer, a lot of people know me as the team barber. It’s something I’ve been doing since the ninth grade and continue to do today, and it’s brought me closer to my teammates and ultimately something I love to do. The topics of conversation that arise when someone is in my chair are endless and I always find that cutting hair is a great icebreaker, especially with new teammates.
Travelling is also a huge interest of mine. From those experiences, I have learned so many things about different cultures and have made so many memories aside from the football pitch.
What are your targets for this year, and beyond?
My main goal for this summer is to win the L1O Men’s Premier Division. Last year we came so close but like I mentioned earlier on, I really do believe we have the team to win this whole thing this year. After the summer, my goal is to win the Ontario University Athletics championship with Ryerson, which we were inches away from winning last season, and to end up at nationals.
What’s your message to younger players aspiring to play high-level soccer at North Toronto Soccer?
It doesn’t matter how talented you are right now. It doesn’t matter if you’re the slowest, least-technical, or shortest player on the field; develop a work ethic where you get up every day wanting to improve, wanting to get better, and wanting to be more than just average. Doing that will put you ahead of the majority of kids your age.
Don’t be afraid to make sacrifices. If your goal is to play high-level soccer, you will have to sacrifice things, and the more you devote yourself to the game the more you will get out of it.
And lastly, enjoy the game. Always be grateful to be on the pitch and always play with a smile on your face. It’s called the beautiful game for a reason.
