We are thrilled to announce a significant achievement for our SEFA Burnaby Soccer Academy family: Yuma Tsuji and Sahil Deo have been selected to represent Canada on the U17 National Team, competing in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. Their journey with SEFA and this recent success highlight their exceptional dedication, skill, and perseverance. 
Yuma joined SEFA at the age of 8, and Sahil at 11. Over the years, they have grown through our program, facing challenges head-on and consistently displaying a passion for the game. Both were among the core players who contributed to SEFA’s many tournament victories, bringing pride to our academy and setting a standard for excellence. Notably, Yuma was named the Best Whitecaps U15 player in 2023, an honor that speaks to his commitment and talent.
Read more about Yuma’s achievements: Whitecaps U15 Best Player.
Their paths to success have each been unique. Sahil was accepted into the Whitecaps FC Residency program on his first tryout, while Yuma, despite not being selected initially, showed outstanding resilience. With determination and relentless effort, Yuma secured a spot in the Residency program one year later. Since joining Whitecaps, both players have delivered outstanding performances, earning invitations to the Whitecaps U19 and Whitecaps 2 teams.
The Canada National Team recognized their remarkable achievements, leadership, and dedication, which led to their selection for the U17 National Team. Now, as they step onto the field for the World Cup qualifiers, they carry with them not only their own aspirations but also the support and pride of our entire SEFA community.
Canada is set to travel to Costa Rica for an exciting two-game friendly series against Costa Rica and Mexico. The matches are scheduled for November 15 against Costa Rica and November 18 against Mexico, taking place in San José, Costa Rica.
Mike Vitulano, Men’s U-17 National Team Head Coach and Men’s Regional Excel Director, expressed the importance of this opportunity: “While our time together is brief, it will be an intense and purposeful window of preparation. Two highly competitive matches will allow us to build a strong foundation with the players before the World Cup Qualifiers in February. I’m looking forward to working with this group of players and building toward success.”
Recently, Canada was drawn into Group A for the 2025 Concacaf U-17 Men’s Qualifiers alongside Bermuda, Curacao, Anguilla, and Turks and Caicos Islands. These qualifiers consist of a single round-robin format where each team will face all group opponents once. The group winners will advance to the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup. Group A matches will be held in Bermuda from February 7-16, 2025.
Additionally, FIFA has announced an expansion of the FIFA U-17 World Cup™ to 48 teams, making it an annual event from 2025 to 2029. Qatar has been chosen to host the premier tournament for the U-17 category. Notably, Canada has qualified for four out of the last six editions of the FIFA U-17 World Cup™, demonstrating their consistent prowess on the international stage.
This announcement adds even more excitement to the incredible achievements of our SEFA Burnaby Academy players, Yuma Tsuji and Sahil Deo, as they prepare to represent Canada in these crucial matches. We are proud to see them continue their growth and shine at an international level, alongside top talent from prestigious clubs such as Toronto FC, Orlando City, and European academies.
We stand behind Yuma, Sahil, and the entire Canadian team as they embark on this journey, showcasing their talent and dedication, and taking yet another step toward the pinnacle of their youth soccer careers.
At SEFA Soccer Academy, our mission is to nurture and develop young athletes, guiding them on a clear pathway to reach their highest potential. From foundational skills to advanced competition, we equip players from Burnaby, New Westminster, and Coquitlam with the training and mentorship needed to excel in kids’ soccer. Our programs are designed to inspire discipline, resilience, and a deep love for the sport, fostering the next generation of soccer professionals who aim to perform at the highest levels of the game.
Please join us in congratulating Yuma and Sahil for this incredible accomplishment. We look forward to cheering them on as they pursue their dreams on the international stage.
