From Backyard Soccer to the Pro Leagues: Zak Drake’s Global Journey in the Beautiful Game

In this inspiring episode of The SPORTi Podcast host Laura sits down with Zak Drake — a professional soccer player, world class athlete, and founder of CanXL Soccer — to unpack his incredible journey from Ottawa's backyard fields to professional stadiums across Brazil, Germany, Australia, and the U.S. Zak shares how growing up in a soccer-centered family, playing two years up with his brother, and traveling internationally as a teen shaped his love for the game and fueled his relentless pursuit of a pro career. His story is filled with lessons on resilience, adaptability, and the power of joy in sports — key takeaways for young athletes, parents, and coaches alike.Zak also dives into his current life as a Major League Indoor Soccer player with the Canadian Crusaders and his mission to give back to the next generation through CanXL Soccer — a modern training program focused on developing players of all levels. From learning Portuguese while playing in Brazil to achieving a childhood dream of playing alongside soccer legend Freddy Adu, Zak's story is a testament to following your passion, working hard through obstacles, and always remembering to have fun. Whether you’re a parent of a young athlete or an aspiring soccer star yourself, this episode is packed with valuable insights and motivation.