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An Indigenous youth with heart, hustle, and a dream

Tansi,

My name is Landon Chazz Gopher. I’m 16 years old and

proudly come from Little Pine First Nations and living in

Saskatoon. I’m writing today to ask for your support as I

prepare to take a big step forward, one that could change my

life and hopefully inspire other Indigenous youth across Turtle

Island.

This summer, I was accepted into the Valencia CF Canada

Academy in Montreal. This is a world-class soccer program

directly connected to the professional Spanish club Valencia

CF. It’s one of the top-ranked academies in the world and

works with Team Canada and multiple U.S. teams. Getting

accepted wasn’t easy, but through hard work, early mornings

practice, rigorous routine, and culture ceremony, I earned my

spot.

Who I Am

I’ve been raised to walk in both worlds, rooted in my culture, and dedicated in my sport. I help

at feasts. I attend sweats. I’ve stood in the sacred lodge at Sun Dance and learned from Elders

about our ways and to see with our teachings in our hearts, but must still honour. These

teachings stay with me every time I step onto the field.

Soccer has taught me about discipline, strategy, and teamwork. Our ways have taught me

about humility, strength, and purpose.

I don’t just want to play the game!, I want to represent our people in places where we are often

not seen. I hope to become the first Indigenous soccer player of this millennia, as the last was

back in the 1980s. My dream is to open the door wider for the next generation.

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Highlights from My Journey:

• Played for Saskatoon United Soccer Club

• Selected out of 100+ players for Astra Academy, placing 3rd overall in fitness

• Trained 4 mornings a week at 6:00 AM for nearly a full year

• Joined cross-country club and placed 2nd in city finals, 11th at provincials

• Member of Native Sons, an elite Indigenous soccer team, I played at the U17 World Cup

in Minneapolis (2024); heading to Denmark for the Dana Cup this July

• Led my high school team to the Saskatoon City Finals, placing 2nd

• Selected at FTF Showcase to join the Valencia CF Academy and learning Spanish to

communicate with international coaches and scouts will be great opportunity.

The Opportunity and the Ask

This August, I will begin the Grade 11 athlete program with Valencia CF Academy in Montreal.

The academy includes top-tier coaching, international play, and education support.

Total Investment:

• Academy Training + Full Program – $14,800

• Residence (Meals, Housing, 24/7 Supervision) – $13,800

Total Goal: $28,600

I know this is a big number. But I also know that with the support of community, allies, and

leaders who believe in Indigenous youth, anything is possible. Every contribution big or

small helps me walk forward.

Beyond the Game

While soccer is my current path, after the Pro

Leagues, I also dream of becoming a mental health

therapist to help our people heal from

intergenerational trauma or becoming an RCMP

officer with the goal of becoming a detective. Either

way, I want to give back. I want to show younger

youth from the rez and the city that with

commitment, culture, and community, we can go

anywhere.

If you can support this journey ⚽ through

donations, sponsorships, or simply by sharing this

message I will carry that kindness with me every

step and kick of the way.

kinanâskomitin for reading this,

with respect, heart, and humility,

Landon Chazz Gopher

Little Pine River Cree

Age 16 – Athlete, Helper, Dreamer