Grady McDonnell's soccer journey began at age five when he joined Coastal FC in South Surrey, BC, following in the footsteps of his older brother, Carson. Coastal FC quickly became the cornerstone of his early soccer development, with its technical staff and supportive community. By age 12, Grady's talent was evident, earning him a spot in the Vancouver Whitecaps Pre-Academy, where he continued to develop his skills before progressing to the Whitecaps Elite program from ages 13 to 15. Coastal FC's influence was enormous in fueling Grady's passion for the game, setting the stage for future success with the Ireland national team, and signing a professional contract with Vancouver FC
Early Life and Beginnings⚽️
Coastal FC sparked Grady’s passion for soccer and opened doors to many opportunities, including his selection to the Vancouver Whitecaps Academy program and, eventually, the Ireland national team. Reflecting on his time at Coastal FC, Grady remembers the friendships he formed and the unforgettable experiences from tournaments in Las Vegas, Arizona, and California. His proudest moment during his youth soccer career was winning the Seattle tournament four years in a row, a testament to the strong team culture and competitive spirit fostered at Coastal FC. Grady’s career progressed, and he attended training camps across Europe, including England, Germany, and Ireland. These eye-opening experiences, both on and off the field, pushed him to new heights and immersed him in Europe's diverse and competitive soccer culture.
International Training Camps🌎
At Blackburn Rovers (EFL) in England, Grady had his first international camp and trial, where the world-class facilities and competitive atmosphere left a lasting impression. Similarly, his time at Schalke 04 (Bundesliga 2) in Germany was a childhood highlight, marked by rigorous training and the camaraderie of his teammates. At Shamrock Rovers FC (League of Ireland Premier Division) in Ireland, Grady felt most comfortable, surrounded by friends and thriving in the intense training environment.
National Team Call Ups🇮🇪🇨🇦
Grady McDonnell made his second appearance at the 2024 UEFA Development Tournament, having first competed in the U-15 edition in 2022. That same year, he received his first call-up to the Ireland U15 national team, a moment filled with pride and excitement. During international friendlies, McDonnell had the honour of captaining the team in a match against Poland, which became one of the standout highlights of his career. The following year, Grady was called up to the Canada U15 national team for the 2023 CONCACAFChampionship, where he bonded with his teammates and experienced the support of Canada Soccer. In 2023, Grady and the Ireland U16 national team won the prestigious Victory Shield. This trophy, claimed by many top players from the Premier League and national teams like Scotland and England, marked Grady’s first significant achievement in international soccer.
Youngest Player To Sign with Vancouver FC✍️
(Photo: Beau Chevalier/Vancouver FC)
Grady made history as the youngest signing in Canadian Premier League (CPL) history when the then 15-year-old signed with Vancouver FC. Grady's first game with Vancouver FC was on May 3, 2024, against Cavalry FC; it was an unforgettable experience. While the game felt surreal, the post-match moment of hugging his dad on the pitch is one of his life's most emotional and memorable moments.
At Vancouver FC, Grady looks up to his teammate Renan Garcia, a veteran player who consistently puts 100% effort into training and serves as a prominent brother figure to the team. The supportive team environment at VFC has been crucial in Grady’s development as a professional player on and off the pitch. Grady cherishes the banter and focus within the VFC team, which balances hard work with a positive atmosphere. His experiences with VFC have significantly impacted his performance, especially when he returns to play for the Ireland U17 team, where the difference in maturity and skill is present.
Lessons and Reflections💭
Transitioning from youth soccer to the professional level wasn’t easy. It has been a significant challenge for Grady, with the physical and mental demands being more substantial and the level of competition being much more intense. Soccer has taught Grady that anything is achievable with hard work and dedication. These lessons extend beyond the pitch, influencing his approach to all aspects of life. His advice to aspiring young players is simple: "Keep working and stay dedicated. The results may come slowly, but they are worth it. Keep your head down and smile through the process."
The Future🔮
Grady’s short-term goal is to score his first goal in the CPL, while his long-term ambition is to secure a move to a European team. His daily routine reflects his commitment to these goals. It starts with an early morning workout, followed by practice sessions and community engagements with Vancouver FC. In addition, Grady is continuing online schooling to complete his high school degree. Stop by a VFC game and cheer on Gray from the stands.