#NotableYoungPros: Fantastic Footballer Liam Fraser

After spending two seasons with Toronto FC II in the United Soccer League (USL), Liam Fraser signed with TFC II on February 9, 2016. The Toronto native has also served as captain during U-20 World Cup qualifiers for Canada. Fraser credits his successes to his teammates, parents, and an undying work ethic that has gotten him to where he is today.

We sat down with Liam to find out more about what makes this fantastic footballer tick.

The best piece of advice I have ever received is…

Work hard and have fun.

Someone I look up to is…

My dad. He is a big inspiration and instils a lot of hard-working mentality in me.

Favourite Instagram account to follow right now is…

@nowness.

First thing I do when I wake up in the morning is…

Brush my teeth.

How did you get started in what you’re doing?

My Dad played a wee bit when I was younger, and he inspired me to play. Ever since then, I just fell in love with it. It’s an addiction now. I have to be playing all the time. I was about three when I started.

What type of Notable are you? Are you a creator, an entrepreneur, or a professional?

I would say I am a mixture of all of them. I  keep it professional off the pitch, but I like being creative on the field.

Why do you love your job? What sort of cool things do you get to do?

I love it because it is my passion and it is the only thing I want to be doing all the times of the day. It’s my dream to be doing this, and I get to work with great people and play for the city I am from. It’s something that I could never have imaged. I get to travel and learn new things and meet new people and experience things that a lot of people don’t get to experience. Getting to do what I love is a massive part of it.  

What do you want to be known for?

That’s a hard one! On the pitch, I would like to be known as someone who was an unbelievable player and gave everything to the purpose of winning. Off the field, I want to be known as someone who inspired kids who dream of playing for their hometown and represent their city like I am doing now.   

What does ambition mean to you?

Something to strive for and something you can be passionate about and get behind. You want to serve the purpose of achieving that goal.

Looking back, are there moments that clearly stand out in your life as defining moments that have led you to this point?

Seeing a lot of players from around the world and thinking that it’s a realistic goal if you set your mind to it and make sacrifices that other people aren’t willing to make to achieve those goals in the end.  

What would you consider your biggest accomplishment to date?

Signing Toronto FC, that was pretty important to me and it’s a good stepping stone for things I could achieve in the future.  

Looking back now, is there a business decision that you wish you made differently?

No. I try not to overthink or reject things. I am committed to the decisions I make. I hopefully think they are smart. The people around me help out. I’m quite happy with my choices.  

What are some pivotal mentorship moments for you?

Some players on my team, Jonathan Osorio and Ashtone Morgan, have been massive as mentors on and off the pitch regarding how I carry myself to rep our city and myself the best way I can for myself and Toronto.   

What parts of your personality, skills, or approach have helped your career?

I am a very dedicated and strict person. If I have something I know I need to do, I won’t slack off on it. It gets done. I am a hard working person, and it has gotten me to places that I did not think I could get to instead of solely relying on talent and skill set.

What is one piece of advice that changed everything for you?

Enjoy what you’re doing and realize it’s for you. When you get the full understanding of hard work, that’s what separates you from others and make things attainable.

What’s the next challenge or project you’re tackling?

On the pitch, there are a couple of big tournaments that I would like to be involved in. We have the Gold Cup and then the Olympics next year. In Toronto, solidify my starting spot and take that on. Off the pitch, I am in school right now, so hopefully I can finish first year and get that sorted. I’m taking it slow, but I’m getting it done!

Where can we learn more about you and connect with you?

@liamfraser27 on Instagram and @Liam_Fraser27 Twitter.