My name is Emily McCue, and looking back on my soccer journey, I can't help but feel incredibly fortunate for the time I spent at Keeper Culture and the guidance I received from Coach Trevor Stiles.
I joined Keeper Culture when I was just 7, eager to learn the ropes of goalkeeping. Little did I know that this weekly academy would become a crucial part of my life, shaping not just my soccer skills but also molding me into a more confident and resilient person. For almost a decade, from age 7 to 16, Keeper Culture was my soccer haven. Each week, I soaked up the soccer knowledge from some amazing coaches and picked up more than just how to stop a ball. Each Summer break, Winter break, and Pro-D Day, I elected to spend my time on the pitch at the Keeper Culture camps which was the best decision I could have ever made. The
academy was a place where I learned about self-confidence and life skills that have stuck with me ever since.
Coach Trevor Stiles played a huge role in my journey. His dedication to nurturing talent and teaching life lessons went beyond the soccer field. Under his guidance, I not only improved my goalkeeping techniques but also learned about leadership, discipline, and perseverance. With the skills that I developed at Keeper Culture, I was scouted to join the Whitecaps Girls Elite REX Program and moved to Vancouver at 16 to join the team. This decision opened up new chapters, including playing for the U17 and U20 Canada Women's National Teams. When I was back in Victoria for the Summers, transitioning from player to coach at Keeper Culture's summer camps was a natural step for me. It was my chance to give back and hopefully inspire the next generation of goalkeepers. Coaching brought a different kind of fulfillment, knowing I could contribute to others just as Coach Stiles had done for me. Earning an NCAA D1 Scholarship in the United States was a dream come true. I owe a lot of that to the skills and mindset I developed at Keeper Culture. It's a testament to the hard work anddedication that started on those soccer fields. Looking back, Keeper Culture wasn't just a soccer academy to me; it was where I grew as a person. The lessons I learned there went beyond soccer, shaping me into someone more prepared for life's challenges. I can't express enough gratitude to Keeper Culture and Coach Trevor Stiles. Their support made
a world of difference, and I'm humbled by the impact they had on my journey. Today, I stand as someone who understands the power of good coaching and a supportive soccer community