August 1, 2014 League 1 Ontario--Player of the Week Eugene Alves (from League 1 Ontario)

Player of the Week - Eugene Alves
. Fri Aug 1 
Written By: Meertins, Tyrrell  

Eugene Alves isn’t your typical League1 Ontario player of the week. 

In Durham United’s 4-1 victory over the Kingston Catarqui Clippers, Alves made several key saves 
that enabled his side to mount an impressive second half comeback. 

Alves, one of the more cultivated players in the league, expressed that receiving an honour 
of this stature is a bit different.

“For me it’s not about going and playing at the highest level, for me it’s about the development 
of younger guys,” Alves said.

“I do a little coaching on the side as well, so for me it’s a little bit different as it’s not 
about reaching the next level. I just want to help out with development.”

Alves spent four years playing at the NCAA level for Kent University, before spending two years 
professionally with the New York/ New Jersey MetroStars – now referred to as the New York Red Bulls 
reserve team. Oddly, despite Alves’ success, it’s key to highlight that his goalkeeping career 
arose in a fortuitous manner.

“I was a centre-midfielder in high-school until our keeper got hurt, and they wanted the tallest 
guy in goal, so I volunteered as I was the tallest guy by far and athletic,” Alves offered.

“I did well, and I learned to love it, as people continuously told me I was a natural. I played 
the field in practice and in-goal during the game.”

While injuries may have hampered Alves’ professional career, the Durham United player now gives 
back to the youth with his goalkeeping expertise. Alves is currently the head goalkeeper coach 
for the Oshawa Kicks Soccer Club, University of Ontario Institute of Technology, Durham Region 
Soccer Academy, and Director of Goalkeeping for the Oshawa Kicks Soccer Academy.

Ultimately, Alves utilizes his League1 Ontario experience to remain in shape, but also to help 
his younger teammates – and the players he coaches – reach the next level. Likewise, Alves’ 
goal to improve youth development and grow soccer in Canada correlates with Pickering Soccer 
Club’s initial aim to ensure Durham soccer players receive the environment to mature in the 
Durham region.

“Durham region is very big, and we have a lot of great players, teams, coaches and youth 
systems in this area, but they all tend to play out west in Toronto,” Alves stated.

“Pickering said 'lets get a League1 team to keep these players in Durham,' and the Oshawa 
Kicks deserves credit as well for working together with Pickering – despite the competitive 
rivalry between the clubs – to keep players in this region. They see a bigger picture.”

The energetic Alves believes his side has represented the Durham region in a competitive 
and professional manner thus far, accepting the challenge of gelling as a team in their 
inaugural season with hopes of finding the correct balance in the final stretch 
of their campaign.

Equally, Alves is in full support of League1’s initiative.

“This league is great and it can only get better. I think they have the right idea as there’s 
finally a pathway to the professional level,” Alves said.

“The social media aspect is great, and there are several good players, so I think Ontario, 
the OSA and League1, Ontario, is doing a great job in giving players this level of opportunity.”

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