James Pantemis has been playing soccer for over a decade, but now, he’s taking his skills to the next level.
Last month, the Montreal Impact announced they had signed the 20-year-old for the 2018 season.
READ MORE: Montreal Impact trade star defender Laurent Ciman to Los Angeles
“I had no words when I got the call. It was amazing,” said Pantemis
Pantemis began playing for Lakeshore Soccer Club at the age of four.
His passion for goaltending came a few years later.
In 2014, the Kirkland native joined the Montreal Impact Academy.
Eventually, he went on to play with the reserves and now, the first team.
READ MORE: Montreal Impact name ex-France international Garde to replace fired Biello
Throughout his journey, he also had the opportunity to play for Team Canada.
“I was honoured,” said Pantemis. “Being able to represent your country at an international stage is something you dream about.”
Pantemis says his dreams came into reality through a lot of hard work.
He credits the Impact Academy for shaping him into the player he is today, but says, he’s grateful for the coaches and staff at Lakeshore Soccer, who have always believed in him.
READ MORE: Patrice Bernier and one last goal for the Montreal Impact
“It’s fantastic,” said Lakeshore Soccer Club’s Technical Director John Limniatis. “Not only for Lakeshore, but for the city to have homegrown players playing in the MLS is superb — and he deserves it.”
These days, Pantemis is busy balancing soccer and studying at John Molson School of Business, but in between, he says, it’s crucial for him to stay in touch with his community and former club.
“At the end of the day, I started here,” Pantemis said. “It just goes to show that with hard work, you can make it. Just coming back to coaching the kids, showing them what the process is to take it to the next level. I find it’s very important for them and a good sense of motivation for them as well.”
Comments