B.C.’s Duncan McDonald named Canada Soccer Para Player of the Year

By The Canadian Press on December 17, 2024.

Duncan McDonald is seen during Para Soccer Canada national camp in Vaughan, Ont., in an Aug. 19, 2023, handout photo. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO-Soccer Canada, Martin Bazyl, *MANDATORY CREDIT*

Midfielder Duncan McDonald has been named Canada Soccer’s 2024 Para Player of the Year.

The 24-year-old from Powell River, B.C., played every minute at the 2024 IFCPF World Cup in Spain, where Canada finished 12th.

McDonald took over as captain after Samuel Charron was injured and finished the tournament leading Canada in World Cup tackles, clearances and blocked shots.

McDonald, who was 15 when he made his debut for the national para soccer team, has played in four International Federation of CP Football World Cups. He has won 37 caps for Canada, including 34 starts.

The para award was decided by national team program officials.

On Monday, Loïc Kwemi was named Canada Soccer’s Futsal Player of the Year.

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This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 17, 2024