Get to know 2018 Jr. National Team Offensive Lineman Mathew Goodall

Mathew Goodall is an offensive lineman from Mount Albert, Ontario who will be representing Canada at the 2018 IFAF World Junior Championships this month in Mexico City, Mexico.

The lineman’s first introduction to the sport was in grade 7 at a local elementary school.

“A teammate on Team Canada’s dad got me into the sport here with a summer team in the York Region,” he recalled.  “Thanks to Paul McWhirter for that one.”

Goodall has played for the York Simcoe Bucs organization and the Huron Heights Warriors of the York Region Athletic Association (YRAA).

This will be the second time Goodall will be representing Canada at this tournament.  In 2016, Goodall helped Canada win the gold medal in Harbin, China which has been the highlight of his career.

“It’s unbelievable,” he said.  “There is nothing like it.”

“It changed the way you think about everything.  You are representing your country at an international level, not just against the US. Playing against teams like Mexico and Japan, you really understand what it is all about.”

For Goodall, the day that Canada won gold was a memorable one for him.

“I remember us going into the game full of confidence, full of us wanting to get back at them for that loss we took in the second game of the tournament,” he explained.  “Coming back just to win that game was unbelievable.”

“It was the highlight of my life and I will never forget it.”

This past January, Goodall represented the country at the 2018 International Bowl in Arlington, Texas.

“It was a great experience,” the offensive lineman reflected.  “It was good to be able to play against the best of the US so it was a great change of pace from up here.”

“It was a load of fun, a lot of competition. It makes you think about how good you can be and how good they are as well.”

One of the main sources of support and encouragement has been his parents and grandparents.  On the field, his coaches throughout his career have been motivating him to play at his best.  In particular, he credits Warriors coaches Al Rover and Heath Weir.

Excited to have another chance to win gold at this tournament, Goodall feels fortunate to wear the maple leaf on his jersey and represent the country.

“It means everything to me,” he expressed.  “Not just to do it once like I did, I was a young guy; I was only 16 when I was out there.”

“Being able to do this when I am 18, turning 19, it’s unbelievable to be able to be older and be far better and I get so much experience from already have done it.”

This post is also available in: French