Little Pine First Nation's Landon Gopher has signed with Valencia CF Academy in Quebec. (Submitted Photo/Chad Tipewan)

By Austin Mattes

Valencia CF Academy

“I just want to play at the highest level”: Little Pine athlete joins elite soccer academy

Aug 20, 2025 | 6:00 AM

On the prairies of Saskatchewan, where fields stretch for miles and winters last forever, Landon Gopher of Little Pine First Nation first laced up his cleats and chased a soccer ball across a patch of grass. He was five years old, playing for fun with his family, never imagining that one day the game could take him across the world.

Now, at just 16, he is preparing for the next chapter of that journey, having signed with Valencia CF Academy Canada, the official Canadian academy of the legendary Spanish soccer club, Valencia CF.

“I didn’t expect an offer at all,” Gopher said about the signing. “But I am excited and grateful.”

Based in Saskatoon, Gopher began his soccer journey as a young kid. It started as a recreational activity with family but quickly evolved into something much more.

“It’s in my family, everyone plays soccer,” he explained.

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At 13, Gopher made the Native Sons Soccer Club, a Saskatoon-based premier program that focuses on the development of Indigenous athletes. With the Native Sons, he played in top international youth tournaments like the USA Cup and the Dana Cup in Denmark, one of the largest youth soccer tournaments in the world.

“It was a really fun time going away to other countries. In Denmark, there were nets everywhere, everyone kicking the ball,” Gopher recalled. “Even 13-year-olds could control the ball really, really well, it was amazing to watch.”

In addition to Native Sons, Gopher also played with ASTRA Soccer Academy in Saskatoon — one of only three National Youth Club License holders in Saskatchewan, and the only one in Saskatoon. ASTRA is known for its commitment to development, with a focus on technical ability, game intelligence, and performance.

“This past year, I entered the Prairie Soccer League with ASTRA, and it was a very high level compared to what I was used to,” said Gopher. “They’re one of the top teams in Saskatchewan, so I really got better playing with them.”

(Submitted Photo/Chad Tipewan)

Then earlier this year, that’s when everything changed. Gopher attended a regional soccer combine in Saskatoon where college scouts and academy coaches from across North America were in attendance, many watching both in person and online.

“I attended this regional combine, and there was a bunch of Saskatchewan talent there,” Gopher said. “They saw me play online because it was live streamed, and then they contacted me through email. I had to do one interview, it went well, and then I signed.”

The decision quickly went viral in his community, with friends, teammates, and supporters flooding social media with congratulations.

Now, this coming season, Gopher will soon join Valencia CF Academy Canada, an elite residential academy operated in full collaboration with Valencia CF in Spain. Players train five times a week under UEFA-certified coaches, following the same steps as one of Europe’s most respected development systems.

The academy serves high-performance student-athletes from across the globe, combining world-class soccer training with academic programming. Valencia CF itself is a legendary European club, playing in LaLiga, and is currently ranked fourth overall in the league’s historic standings.

This season, Gopher and his new teammates will participate in three showcase tournaments in the U.S. before heading to Spain to compete at Real Madrid Academy.

“It’s going to be very fast play compared to Saskatchewan,” said Gopher. “I’m going to have to think before I get the ball and stuff like that. It’s going to be hard, but I’m excited.”

While the opportunity comes with financial obstacles, Gopher’s community is stepping up. Little Pine First Nation is covering part of the cost, while the rest is being raised through fundraisers, a family-run GoFundMe, and part-time work Gopher has been doing with his Mushum.

“My parents are very supportive,” he shared. “They always took me to practice. They always told me stuff about soccer. I also had a coach from Native Sons named Joe, he used to train me personally, so I am thankful for that.”

Despite being signed for one year, Gopher is hoping to extend his stay or explore other pathways like college or professional opportunities.

“My goal is to just play at a high level anywhere,” he said. “I’m just training to see what opportunities come to me, I am ready for anything.”

Beyond his own dreams, Gopher hopes to inspire others, especially Indigenous youth, to chase their goals with the same dedication and belief.

“I really hope to inspire other Indigenous athletes that they could play at a high level like me,” he said. “I used to go to a Sundance every year with my dad, and I would pray that I get better at soccer and that I can play at a higher level. I guess it kind of came true.”

As he prepares to move to Quebec, Gopher admits it won’t be easy being away from home.

“I’m really going to miss my family… but it’ll be worth it for the opportunity.”

To young athletes chasing their dreams, Gopher’s advice is simple:
“Just keep training hard. Give your 100 percent every time you’re on that field and stay dedicated.”

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Austin.mattes@pattisonmedia.com