Interview #41- Aribim Pepple

Aribim Pepple is a Canadian professional soccer player. Currently play for Cavalry FC of the Canadian Premier League. A dynamic, fast, and strong player, Pepple signed his first professional contract at only 16 years of age. Born in England, the  goal-scoring forward moved to Canada at aged five. He then played with the Calgary Foothills for his youth career. At only 16, he signed for the Foothills PDL squad. In addition to that, Pepple was the youngest player the inaugural CPL Open Tryouts, trying out at only 15. The forward has also played with the Canadian u17 National Team. A true goal-scoring forward, Pepple has a bright future ahead in a country that is on the rise in soccer, Canada. 

1. Born In England, you moved to Canada at five. What do you remember from your days in England?
I was extremely young when I lived in England, so I don’t remember much, but one thing I’ll always remember is how popular soccer is over there. My friends and I always used to walk to our local park to play soccer and kick the ball around, and when we were finished we would watch highlights of the games that had been played during the weekend. And at school everyone would be talking about their favourite teams and players. Everyone is obsessed with the sport over there.

2. As a youngster, you played for the Calgary Foothill youth sides. What was your youth career like?
Throughout my youth career I’ve had a lot of up’s and downs. When I was 14 I    got diagnosed with a knee injury called “osgood schlatter” which prevented my ability to run. And as a result I wasn’t playing as well as I believed I could have, but when I finally recovered from the injury through lots of rehab and gym sessions, I began to play to the best of my abilities again. This has served as a huge lesson for me as it showed me that with determination and effort, I can overcome any difficulties that come my way.

3. In October of 2018, Tryouts at only 15.   Mentally, how did you prepare for those tryouts?
I was extremely nervous for the tryouts because I knew I would be playing against older, stronger, and faster players and I didn’t know what to expect from them. My Dad has to help me calm down by reminding me that “if your good enough your old enough”. And he gave me confidence to forget all those things and try and play my game. And as the tryouts went on I began to feel more and more comfortable!

4. Describe your experience at those tryouts. Were people overlooking you due to your age?
At the tryouts I was just focused on showing the coaches that despite my age, I have the skills to play at this level and I wasn’t too bothered with what the other plays thought because I believed I was at their level. And as I kept making it to the next stages of the tryouts my confidence grew more and more.

5. How were you feeling after signing with the Foothills first team in the PDL?
I was super excited and a little bit nervous because I didn’t know what to expect. My goal has always been to play professional soccer and signing with the foothills first team was once step closer to my goal. But I also knew I would be playing against better players so I didn't know how I would be able to handle the next level.

6. What was your season with the Foothills first squad like?
It was amazing. All the older players took me in immediately and constantly gave me confidence to play with no fear. And as I began to play more and more games I felt more comfortable against the opposition. It took awhile for me to get my first goal but after I did that I began to score more regularly!!

7. After a season with the Foothills, you signed your first professional contract with Cavalry FC of the CPL. What were you thinking as you signed your first professional contract at such a young age?
It was a dream come true to sign my first professional contract, and it just made me realize that all the hard work I put in finally paid off. I'm extremely grateful for the opportunity the Cavs have given me to continue to develop and learn at the next level, and it’s been an unforgettable experience!

8. In August of 2019, you made your professional debut. What was it like to finally step on the pitch as a professional?
It didn’t feel real, I’ve been working my whole life to become a pro, and when I finally stepped on the grass in a stadium filled with fans it felt like a dream!

9. How was this past season with Cavalry? 
I really enjoyed the past season, it was a bit of a learning year for me, as I was trying to learn as much as possible from my coaches and teammates both on and off the field to see what I could add to my game.

10. What did your last season teach you both as a player and as a person?
Last season taught me a lot, but the biggest thing I learned was if I put my head down and constantly work towards something, eventually I’ll begin to see the benefits.

11. You’ve also made appearances for the Canadian u17 National Team. How was your time with the National Team?
My team with the national team was amazing! It was my first time getting called up and the players and staff were extremely nice to me. It was also interesting to see what my age mates around the country were doing and how I stacked up compared to them!

12. Who’s your biggest inspiration and why?
Currently my biggest inspiration right now is Jonathon David, because he went from playing for a small team in Ontario to tearing up the Belgium League. And I hope that hopefully my story could become something similar

13. Who’s the greatest player you’ve ever played against?
Although I didn’t play much against him, the greatest player I’ve played against would be “Sagna” when he played Montreal Impact in the Canadian championship. I used to watch him all the time when he played for Arsenal and Manchester City in England, and it was a dream come true to play against him!

14. What are your main goals for the future?
My main objective l is to score as many goals as possible this season and hopefully win the cup this year!

15. In your own words, who are you?
 I would describe myself as an energetic individual who loves to spend time playing and joking around with my friends, but also someone who can become serious when it’s time to work!

16. What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?
 Most people don’t know that basketball is also one of my favourite sports, and in my free time I love to sit down and watch nba games with my friends.

17. Biggest words of advice for youngsters working to become pro?
The biggest advice I could give would be continue to work and stay focused no matter what troubled you face. Eventually it’ll pay off and you’ll be thankful you never gave up.

18. Any last words for the readers
Hope to see you at some Cavs games this year!

Chris Dailey

Founder, The Sports Court

Big thank you to Aribim for the amazing interview! A great young and exiting talent! The future of the Canadian Mens National Team is looking strong. Best of luck next season!

Top Image Photo Credit: Tony Lewis for Canada Soccer
https://northerntribune.ca/canada-u-17-aribim-pepple/
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