Malik Owolabi-Belewu, once known as Justin at our club returns to the Pod in a powerful full-circle moment.

From his early days at Whitecaps London Soccer Club based in London Ontario to playing professionally in Italy, the UK, and now as a starting centre-back with Forge FC in the Canadian Premier League, Malik has built his career with grit, resilience, and purpose.

In this special episode, recorded just before Forge FC faces the Vancouver Whitecaps in the Canada Cup, Malik opens up about the highs, the lows, and everything in between.

And what makes this even more meaningful? Over 200 of our youth players will be traveling to Hamilton to watch him take the field against his former club.

This is more than a match — it’s a moment of inspiration for every young player dreaming big.

🎙️ Hosted by Abbi Lezizidis
⏱️ 30:10-minute episode
⚽ Real stories. Real growth. Real impact.

Whitecaps London is an affiliate of the Vancouver Whitecaps of the MLS.

*** We claim no rights to any graphics, videos or images used in this podcast. All graphics approved for use by Forge FC.

Maddie is an incredible speaker. She found the right fit at St.Clair for both her love of the game and her future career. Come enjoy Maddies exciting recruiting story.

The Celebration Series is a special podcast dedicated to highlighting the incredible achievements of our players, both on and off the pitch. We celebrate those who are now pursuing their soccer dreams at the post-secondary level, recognizing their dedication, hard work, and passion. As they take the next steps in both their athletic and academic journeys, we look forward to cheering them on and sharing their inspiring stories.

Isiah Loague is a natural talent. He loves the game. He comes from a family who love the game of soccer. Come in enjoy listening to Isiah's story and his recruitment process.

All the best at SMU in Nova Scotia.

The Celebration Series is a special podcast dedicated to highlighting the incredible achievements of our players, both on and off the pitch. We celebrate those who are now pursuing their soccer dreams at the post-secondary level, recognizing their dedication, hard work, and passion. As they take the next steps in both their athletic and academic journeys, we look forward to cheering them on and sharing their inspiring stories.

Michaela is headed to Paris Texas. Michaela has chosen to take a couple years at Junior College to pursue here academics while focusing on growth on and off the pitch. This school might be a JUCO school yet it packs a punch on the pitch. All the best Michaela in Texas.

The Celebration Series is a special podcast dedicated to highlighting the incredible achievements of our players, both on and off the pitch. We celebrate those who are now pursuing their soccer dreams at the post-secondary level, recognizing their dedication, hard work, and passion. As they take the next steps in both their athletic and academic journeys, we look forward to cheering them on and sharing their inspiring stories.

Victoria Monyard is heading to the United Kingdom. She will be joining IDS Sheffield Academy. This felt like the fit for the next steps in my journey. Victoria loves the game. She's both nervous and excited to become immersed in the soccer/football culture.

https://www.idasheffield.co.uk/

The Celebration Series is a special podcast dedicated to highlighting the incredible achievements of our players, both on and off the pitch. We celebrate those who are now pursuing their soccer dreams at the post-secondary level, recognizing their dedication, hard work, and passion. As they take the next steps in both their athletic and academic journeys, we look forward to cheering them on and sharing their inspiring stories.

Next up on the Celebration Podcast is Else Neville. Playing soccer for the Sheridan Bruins while pursuing a career in osteopathy. This is a newer four year program. We are excited to see Elise continue her both her love of the game and continue in this amazing area of academic Studies. All the best at School and on the Pitch.

The Celebration Series is a special podcast dedicated to highlighting the incredible achievements of our players, both on and off the pitch. We celebrate those who are now pursuing their soccer dreams at the post-secondary level, recognizing their dedication, hard work, and passion. As they take the next steps in both their athletic and academic journeys, we look forward to cheering them on and sharing their inspiring stories.

Lauren is heading North this fall to become a Dental Hygienist. She is fantastic inn this podcast sharing her love of the game. She discusses how the game has shaped her and how the game continues to strengthen her friendships. She's played OPDL, Regional and College. All the best Lauren. You are in good hands at Cambrian College. We know you will make us proud both in the classroom and on the pitch.

The Celebration Series is a special podcast dedicated to highlighting the incredible achievements of our players, both on and off the pitch. We celebrate those who are now pursuing their soccer dreams at the post-secondary level, recognizing their dedication, hard work, and passion. As they take the next steps in both their athletic and academic journeys, we look forward to cheering them on and sharing their inspiring stories.

Jordyn Sammut is heading to Trent University located in Peterborough Ontario. A player who loves the game and is passionate about every piece of the game. Her Take AWAY at the end of the pod is one the best heard to date over the six seasons of the pod. She shares her journey and kept it real through the pod. Congrats Jordyn. All the best in your academic studies and on the pitch

The Celebration Series is a special podcast dedicated to highlighting the incredible achievements of our players, both on and off the pitch. We celebrate those who are now pursuing their soccer dreams at the post-secondary level, recognizing their dedication, hard work, and passion. As they take the next steps in both their athletic and academic journeys, we look forward to cheering them on and sharing their inspiring stories.

Payton Lessard is heading to St. Clair College located in Windsor Ontario. Through this Pod you can feel Payton's passion for the game. Choosing Nursing in her area of academics fits well for her after seeing the amazing team of nurses who aided in the recovery of a family member. All the best Payton on the pitch and in the classroom.

The Celebration Series is a special podcast dedicated to highlighting the incredible achievements of our players, both on and off the pitch. We celebrate those who are now pursuing their soccer dreams at the post-secondary level, recognizing their dedication, hard work, and passion. As they take the next steps in both their athletic and academic journeys, we look forward to cheering them on and sharing their inspiring stories.

David Gomez is heading to Kingston to continue his love of the game and his academic studies at St. Lawrence College. He will be studying a three year program in Business Accounting. A current player on our OSL team St. Lawrence is lucky to have him. David all the best on your academic studies and on the pitch.

The Celebration Series is a special podcast dedicated to highlighting the incredible achievements of our players, both on and off the pitch. We celebrate those who are now pursuing their soccer dreams at the post-secondary level, recognizing their dedication, hard work, and passion. As they take the next steps in both their athletic and academic journeys, we look forward to cheering them on and sharing their inspiring stories.