1 April 2025
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BTB developing a pathway
An established academy, leading coaches, and a famous ambassador are spearheading BTB’s goals on and off the field.
Born To Be Soccer Club are the hosting team in the opening match of the 2025 campaign, taking on Calgary Rangers on Friday, April 18 at Jasper Place Bowl.
BTB are a returning outfit in the Men’s and Women’s Divisions having been founding members of the 2023 Exhibition Series. Kondeh Mansaray created BTB a decade prior – with just a handful of children playing soccer at the time.
Today it has a diverse academy positively impacting hundreds of local youths from Edmonton and around the world.
Canada Men’s National Team and Bayern Munich star Alphonso Davies is an ambassador for the club, having been born in Ghana and raised in Edmonton, before joining Vancouver Whitecaps programs aged 14.
Now there are plenty of BTB players creating their own stories, and some are going full circle. Canadian-born Paul Amedume and Joshué Ndakala are former youth players at BTB and will return to the club in League1 Alberta this season, having gained experience with Pacific FC and Vancouver Whitecaps 2 respectively.
Prince Amanda is another former Canadian Premier League player who will feature in the Men’s Division this summer, joining BTB after a productive 2024 campaign with division rivals St Albert Impact.
“The club is looking to promote the talent from Edmonton and surrounding areas,” said Mansaray. “Last year, four 2006-born players had opportunities after the League1 season in Europe and in CPL.
“We are looking to finish in the top half of the table with an energetic and exciting team that play a beautiful brand of soccer, while also aiming to promote our young players to the next level.”
The club has also made a touchline change, but the new men’s head coach is familiar with everyone who has passed through the BTB ranks. Mansaray will lead the team before coaching Team Alberta’s men at the 2025 Canada Summer Games.
Mariya Dunaeva is another person key to the BTB mission, nominated by Mansaray as one of the club’s unsung heroes. From helping coaches, to parents, she’ll continue to set the standard that BTB will be aiming to replicate in pursuing their ambitions this year.