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There will be 60 youth soccer players trying out for the Matchday Soccer School in Nanaimo. They'll get to meet former Canadian international and current Pacific PC player Marco Bustos on June 12. (Image Credit: Matchday Performance Institute)
Showing the Path Forward

Former Canadian international appearing at Nanaimo soccer tryouts

Jun 12, 2026 | 9:46 AM

NANAIMO — A former member of the Canadian men’s soccer team is coming to the Harbour City to look over the next generation.

Marco Bustos will be at tryouts for a local soccer academy on Friday, June 12, passing on some wisdom and meeting young soccer players trying out for Matchday Soccer School.

Nanaimo United and VIU Mariners head coach and Matchday founder Kevin Lindo said Bustos is keen to share what he’s learned throughout his career.

“To give us some insight, we’ve brought in Marco, who is a real standout player with Pacific FC in Victoria,” Lindo said. “Marco has trodden that path from CPL and MLS and the national team as well. He’s very down to earth. He’s a real character and a good person for people to connect with.”

Bustos was a member of Canada’s national U-17 team in 2013 and joined the senior men’s team in 2015. He has played for the Vancouver Whitecaps, the Swedish league, and the Canadian Premier League.

Vancouver Island is developing soccer pipelines, and Lindo said Bustos is a good example for kids to look up to.

“There are stepping stones now, and we’ve got kids from all over coming into our MPI programs from Port Alberni, Oceanside, Duncan, Comox, Campbell River, and, of course, Nanaimo. You can look at the chain now and see Nanaimo United is at tier three in our tangible North American pathway right up to CPL and MLS.”

Upwards of 60 kids are expected Friday at the tryout.

The World Cup begins on Thursday, June 11, with Team Canada kicking off their tournament a day later.

Lindo said from what’s seen, the tournament has captured the imagination of kids throughout Nanaimo.

“It’s huge. It’s a lifetime bucket list experience. There are kids in jerseys, there are kids playing soccer outside. It’s infectious. More so than ever with the distractions we have in the world, sport is a huge vehicle to health and a happy life and a real anchor for youth these days. I think it’s more important now than ever.”

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