Player Report: Jeevan Badwal

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The boy from Surrey turned to a community champion.

 

Jeevan Badwal is a BC native who made his way through the academy to finally make the Whitecaps senior squad in 2024.

 

I’m glad there is a way for local players to make their way into the large teams. Jeevan’s hard work and endless effort shows on and off the pitch.

 

He started his journey at the age of 4 in 2010. When he was 10 he was invited to an academy camp in  Arizona. After going through a series of different youth teams Jeevan found himself in the Whitecaps Academy in the August of 2019.

 

In February 2024 he would sign his first professional contract with the team as a loan from the junior team. In September of that year he would sign a home grown player contract and join the team full time.

 

2025 would be the first time he gets the opportunity to play most of the season. He had 31 appearances and scored 1 goal and has 3 assists.

 

The way the stadium lights up when Badwal gets onto the pitch. Chanting one of our own, which is common when you have a local player on your team. I was at the game where he scored his first goal, and the feeling was better than any goal before that. It was a kind of warmth like a parent watching as their kid archives their goals. This is why I love watching sports.

 

And as of January 2026 Jeevan had his first call up to the Canadian international men’s team. At the age of 20. I’ll tell you I was not doing anything near as cool or productive at 20.

 

I think having local players is the best part of sports. Someone the community can relate to and knows the in’s and out’s of the city. Jeevan Badwal is hopefully one of many examples of players who grow their passion locally and are rewarded with playing for the city’s team.