Pro athletes love to bring a trophy home, and Pitt Meadows council celebrated the success of a home grown soccer talent on Tuesday night, Jan. 27.
Council welcomed Jaime Perrault of the professional Vancouver Rise FC to mark a milestone for women’s sport.
In November, the Rise captured the inaugural Northern Super League championship in Canada’s new top-division professional women’s soccer league.
“This is an accomplishment which is truly historic,” said Mayor Nicole MacDonald.
“We want to celebrate as your home community.”
“It’s an honour to be able to be here,” said Perrault. “It’s been a dream of mine to be able to play pro, and especially where I grew up and lived my whole life – it’s just been an amazing experience.”
MacDonald asked what “made the difference” to her as an up-and-coming athlete.
“Honestly, my friends and family. They are my biggest supports, they were there for me through the whole thing, and dedicated so much of their time,” said the athlete.
Coun. Alison Evans bought a Rise FC jersey, and Perrault signed it for her. The councillor thanked Perrault for returning to her home community and helping with kids.
“Thank you for giving back to our community,” said Evans. “Growing up there was no women’s professional soccer, and you’re setting this amazing example for our youth.”
The Rise signed Perrault last September as a 19-year-old who graduated from their own youth program (then called the Whitecaps FC Girls Elite Academy), then played for a semi-professional Danish team.
Perrault has represented Canada’s under-17s and under-20s and played in both the 2022 CONCACAF Women’s U-17 Championship and the 2022 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
“From starting out as a five-year-old West Coast Soccer player to becoming a league-winning champion, Jaime’s journey is an inspiring reminder of what dedication, hard work and passion can achieve,” said a statement from the city. “On behalf of council and the community, congratulations to Jaime and the entire Vancouver Rise team on this exceptional accomplishment. Thank you for inspiring the next generation of young athletes and making Pitt Meadows proud!”