Joey McGuire: School Teacher and Soccer Dynamo

Last November, the Bulletin sat down and spoke with local semi-pro soccer player Joey McGuire. Almost one year later, we sat down again to see what’s new with the Ottawa-born star.

Since Joey last spoke with the Bulletin, he completed his post-graduate degree in physical education at the University of Ottawa and is now teaching physical education at Chelsea Elementary.

“I’ve really enjoyed the transition to teaching, especially going from teaching high school to elementary. Andrea Gage, who is the principal at Chelsea Elementary, created this amazing teaching opportunity for me and I’m so thankful for it.

“The school is great and Andrea is super invested in kids learning about sports and outdoors and being afforded the opportunity to work in an environment where both the kids and the staff are helping each other and invested in healthy living.”

A teacher for most of the year, Joey trades in the classroom for the soccer pitch in the summer. Formerly playing semi-pro for a team in Saint-Hubert he now plays for Quebec Premier League’s Quebec Dynamo. 

The former University of Ottawa Gee Gee has fully embraced the transition to Quebec’s capital, in large part due to the more senior players, such as former Montreal Impact player Kevin Cossett.

“The transition has been great; playing for coach Edmond Foyé has been great; I love his style of play and his way of seeing the game. I’ve been learning and growing every day thanks to him and the guys, both as a soccer player and a person.”

A native English speaker and Ottawa native, Joey expressed how grateful he is to Quebec’s soccer community, Chelsea Elementary and to his girlfriend Sandrine for helping him make a home in the province and the continued opportunity to keep learning French.

“For me it’s important to give back to the French community that has given me so much and one way I do it is by always brushing up on my French, by teaching in French and by giving the best of me to my community.”

Speaking about soccer in the region, the Dynamo player definitely sees the sport on the rise in the Gatineau area.

“Gatineau has always had a great semi-pro team and now, with the additional infrastructure and added playing time, I definitely see soccer developing greatly in the area. With new Futsal league, indoor fields and practice time, more kids will be able to play soccer year-round instead of switching to hockey, which will be great for player development.

“Gatineau already produces a great amount of talent per capita when compared to Ottawa and, with a bit more time, resources and financial help, I can definitely see the area developing into a powerhouse.”

Humble and a tad shy throughout the interview, Joey insisted that his achievements are just as much a product of his entourage as his own hard work.

“For real, I am just lucky to be surrounded by so many great people and a member of such incredible sporting and educational communities.”