A conversation on black history and Canadian soccer

Canada's soccer story has been written by the hands (and feet) of black footballers across the country, including some of the nation's most inspirational stars like Alphonso Davies, Dwayne De Rosario, and Karina LeBlanc.

But that legacy of success still comes with added pressure, as Jordan Wilson and Forge FC team manager Jelani Smith reflect over on this conversation special. Jordan and Jelani have come up through the Canadian soccer system together, dating back to their (youth championship-winning!) days at Erin Mills Soccer Club.

The two have found new roles in their post-playing careers as important figures within the Canadian soccer ecosystem, and took some time to dive deep on what it takes as a black athlete to succeed in this side of the game. Because, as Jelani puts it, each success story comes with it its own set of big-picture social responsibilities. We discuss.