In Ibrahim Elsherif’s family, a passion for soccer has been passed down from generation to generation.
His father, grandfather and great-grandfather have all been passionate about the sport.
Now, the 13-year-old Nova Scotia Soccer League player is the latest in a long line of family members to obsess over the game.
“I love everything [about it]. Like, the fans, the goals, the great passes, the players. Everything,” he said.
Ibrahim’s love of soccer will reach a new level today when he steps onto the field for a World Cup match in Vancouver. He is one of seven youths in Canada chosen through a national contest to present an official match ball at World Cup games this year.
The Nova Scotia teen will present the ball to a referee to mark the start of the contest between his native Egypt and New Zealand.
“To be honest, I’m really excited to have this opportunity. I’m just happy I get to go see all the players,” Ibrahim said.
Today’s match will be extra special for Ibrahim because he gets to cheer on Egypt, the country he grew up in and where he learned to play soccer. He’s also excited to get an up-close look at his favourite player, Mohamed Salah.
“He’s quick, he’s rapid, he’s very explosive. I think if any defender lets him get pace on them, they’re finished. Like, the ball is going to end up in the back of the net,” Ibrahim said.
Bedford teen to deliver official match ball at World Cup
Omar Elsherif was thrilled at the possibility of watching the Egyptian national team when he found out the World Cup was coming to Canada. But the fact that they are able to attend a game — and that his son will be on the pitch — is hard for him to believe.
“I was hoping to get the chance to just watch one of Egypt’s games in the World Cup, but having my son on the field carrying the ball, it’s like a dream come true,” Omar said.
Omar doesn’t think his son fully understands the scale of what is about to happen.
“I think once he walks onto the field and sees the crowd, it’s going to be a totally different experience. I’m so happy for him and I’m so proud,” Omar said.
One of Ibrahim’s coaches believes going to the World Cup at such a young age will have a lasting effect on his development.
“He gets to see the game from a different perspective. He gets to see what it’s like from South America, Europe and all the top nations. Hopefully, he comes back and learns a lot,” said Mohammad Jaber.
Jaber said having some of the tournament matches in Canada will help create new role models for young players across the country, which will continue to grow the game here.
Ibrahim knows he’s fortunate to take part, but said all Canadians who get to attend a World Cup game on home soil know how lucky they are.
“Being able to do that in Canada is a luxury and I think it’s going to make the sport even bigger,” he said.
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