Canadian soccer team member Derek Cornelius was in his hometown of Ajax on Sunday fresh from FIFA World Cup.
He described the Canadian team as “a special group” and said he was “sure the next generation is going to be even better”.
“I hope that for Canadian soccer fans this really sticks with them for the next World Cup, the next tournaments. People just supporting the national teams, you know. Hop on and enjoy the ride and really get behind this team,” Cornelius urged.
Town of Ajax Boy
“I’ve been playing soccer in Ajax growing up. It was always competition for OYSL. In my age group. Ajax always had some of the strongest teams. So yeah, it was competitive,” said Cornelius.
He said a lot of people around Ontario know about Ajax and know how many good athletes Ajax has. “So yeah, thanks, growing up here was really a fine experience and it’s honestly something I miss to this day.”
On Bayly Square being temporarily named after him, Cornelius said: “To be honest, the support not only from Ajax, but from all of Canada is something that I have never experienced and I didn’t know if it was going to be possible to see this in Canada.
“So no not only the support but how the square has been named after myself, I couldn’t be more grateful, I couldn’t be more humbled and just yeah, trying to appreciate everything throughout this World Cup experience.”
He ended with a big shout out to the Town of Ajax and event organizer Medallion.
Below is a clip of Cornelius at the square.