Drew Beckie - Real Class of 2009
Where did you go to college and did you play soccer for the college?
University of Denver 2009-2012
Please share a quick bit about what you are up to?
I am currently living in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; back in my native Canada playing for Atletico Ottawa of the Canadian Premier League. Year 11 as a professional playing in three different countries over 5 different leagues: MLS, NASL, USL Championship, Veikkausliiga, and Canadian Premier League. Don't have any kids yet!
Favorite Food?
Hamburger and fries. Don't get to eat it very much but it's a cheat meal 100%.
First concert you went to and where?
I saw Kenny Chesney and Eric Church in Old Crew Stadium, Columbus, Ohio.
When did you come to Real Colorado?
U10 or younger
Favorite Movie?
Gladiator
What team did you play at for Real Colorado?
I was on the 90' Boys National team with Chico originally in 2002, I believe.
Who were some of the coaches your remember?
I joined Real when it was DC Blast. My parents emigrated to Denver from Saskatchewan in Canada when I was very young; my father coached our team originally but he knew very little about soccer so I ended up joining a Blast team run by Gregg Talbert.
I've been lucky enough to have Shawn Comegys, Frank Kohlenstein, Kevin Fickes, Lorne, you name it on the boys side; I learned many of the qualities I have as a player due to these great coaches. I saw them a lot not only because they coached me but they also coached my three sisters.
What is a best memory(ies) at Real Colorado?
I've thought about this question quite a bit even before Jared had graciously asked me to answer these questions. Without Real Colorado and their generous time, money, and training, I wouldn't be a professional soccer player. Without a doubt. My father passed when I was 11, just as I was beginning my first year with the competitive side 90's Boys National team. Real blessed my mother, myself and my sisters with financial assistance to aid in each season's cost so that we could continue to play. I believe other families also pitched in to help. It is incredibly gracious and I haven't been able to properly thank the club or its administration.
The brotherhood and modeling Real provided for myself growing up along with the help from some amazing families, aided me in my development as a teenager and player. These aspects kept me on track to develop the techincal and tactical skills I needed to receive a scholarship to the University of Denver and play for the Canadian National Team. There were very difficult times but also the best times going from winning State Cup to competing at the first US Soccer Developmental Academy Finals in Los Angeles. I met some of my best friends playing for Real, one that is still my closest friend today, Taylor Kemp.
What do you view as the most important qualities you learned as a player that apply to your current life?
I'll split it into two aspects: The Human Aspect and Soccer Brain
Human Aspect (most important) Humility, tenacity, work ethic, learning that development comes over time and isn't instant as much as we'd like it to be. Learning to lose. Learning to win. Learning to hate losing more than you love winning. Life isn't fair. Supporting your teammates, making great friends, winning and losing together. I could go on and on.
Soccer Brain: Technically sound technique, tactical learning to understand your position on the field. How to take care of your body, support your teammates, video sessions to improve your game.
All these things above apply to my current life as a professional but will help me when I retire and move to a different career.
If you could go back in time and talk to yourself when you first started playing, what advise would you give?
It's a tough one because I feel I took things more seriously than I should have. Even in a young age, I could have enjoyed more moments and spent more time with friends but I wanted to be a professional. This attitude helped provide an opportunity I have today but live in the moment. Many people say that and unfortunately, you only understand that when you're older and have more experiences to reflect upon. Time flies!
What is a key life lesson you learned from playing soccer at Real Colorado?
Although I was blessed and lucky enough to make the "National" team at a young age. It doesn't mean anything for the future. If you're a young player and you don't make the "top" team at U11 or U12, that's OK!! If you want to be a pro, you will find a way. So many stories of kids blooming at different ages. If you're good enough, you will be found. 100% without a doubt. Real has the influence, ability, connections, people, etc to get you to where you want to be. BUT, if you don't want to be a professional, that's fine too. These qualities you will learn will serve you in building business relationships, life, relationships with a male or female, whatever it is; life is better when you have had time with Real Colorado.
