News Archives: Rui Vale - Featured Athlete of the Week
Wednesday, October 16th, 2019
Name: Rui Vale
Jersey Number. Is there a story behind it? I wear number 7. My sports idol, Cristiano Ronaldo, wears the same number and I’ve always been 7.
Hometown: Barcelos, Portugal
High School: North Peace Secondary School
At what age did you start playing your sport? What drew you to the game? I started playing soccer around 5-6 years old. My dad used to play and going to watch him play when I was a kid just made me instantly fall in love with the sport. I also had a close cousin which insisted as well as my parents to put me on a soccer team right from when I was a kid. I have memories of going to his games and just wanting to be like him. Since then, I always played competitively and the passion for the sport doesn’t stop growing.
What is your fondest memory of your sport? I have a few, it’s hard to just pick one. When we won Provincials with GP United, it was a pretty amazing feeling because that group was very close, and it was the first time we had won it. I could also say the last season I played in Portugal before I moved because we had a really good year and some of my closest friends were on the team. My first game for GPRC will be a moment I won’t forget as well.
Any pre or post-game rituals that you would be willing to share? How do you prepare? I always listen to Portuguese music on the way to the game and always put on my right cleat first. As well as that, when stepping onto the pitch, I step 3 times on my right foot for my family and swipe my hand on the grass into the sign of a cross for good luck.
What are your future goals? Continuing education and hopefully finishing my degree of Bachelor of Kinesiology. I won’t be able to stay away from the sport, so anything around it is the goal for the future, either as a physiotherapist or even as a coach.
From Head Coach Chris Morgan:
Any special game moments, stats you’d like to share? Rui scored a penalty on Sunday to help tie the game v Portage College. Rui has been an ever-present the past three seasons and always brings flair to the team.
What does this player bring to the dynamics of the team? Rui is the team’s most creative player and is a joy to watch in full flow. His feet-work and trickery always cause problems for defences. Rui has a quiet determination to succeed and leads the team in a dignified way. Rui is a joy to coach, he trains well and it is evident that he loves the game. He is always confident in his own ability on the field.