Pacific FC Youth graduate Will Edgson is taking the next step in his football journey, committing to the University of British Columbia to continue his development on and off the pitch.
For Edgson, the commitment is about much more than just the next team on his résumé. It represents years of growth within the Pacific FC pathway, and the opportunity to continue pushing himself in an environment that felt right both academically and athletically.
“It means everything to me,” he said. “Growing through this club and watching guys like Eric succeed with the first team showed me what’s possible through this pathway. When I went to trial at UBC, I connected with the head coach right away, and the environment just felt right. On top of that, the academic side is really important to me, and UBC has amazing programs. Even being on campus, it just felt like home.”
Edgson’s football journey began on Vancouver Island. Raised in Shawnigan Lake, he first developed his love for the game at Kerry Park, where early mornings, family support, and local football played a central role in shaping his passion.
“I first started playing at Kerry Park, and those early-morning drives to games with my dad are still among my best memories,” he said. “My older brother would play right after us, so I would watch his games too. Growing up in Shawnigan Lake, Kerry Park was kind of our version of Timbits soccer.”
From there, Edgson progressed through Cowichan, spent time training within Pacific’s Trident development program, and eventually joined Wave, embracing the highest level of youth football available on the Island.
“I joined the club in the first year that Pacific took over,” he said. “I chose it because it was the highest level of football on the island. Through training with Trident, I experienced firsthand how much that level of training could improve my game. I have always wanted to push myself at the highest level possible, and Wave provided me an amazing opportunity to do that.”
During his time with PFC Youth, Edgson was part of a successful and tightly connected group, building experiences that defined his development both as a player and as a person.
“There are so many memories,” he said. “Winning provincials for the first time is a feeling I’ll never be able to replicate. Gothia Cup and our exhibition matches in London were probably my favourite team memories, and nationals were special too, knowing it was our last time playing together. That group means everything to me.”
He is also quick to recognize the people who helped shape his journey, particularly those who had a lasting impact beyond the pitch.
“I’ve been really fortunate to be surrounded by great coaches and teammates throughout my journey,” Edgson said. “Jamar Dixon has been there as both a coach and a mentor through every step of my journey. More than anything, he’s had a massive impact on me as a person, and that goes far beyond football.”
Among teammates, he points to a core group that helped push his development day in and day out.
“Rocco, Mattias, and Joe are the first that come to mind,” he said. “Training with that group every day raised the level and made all of us better. Joe and I have been playing together since the beginning, and his will to win pushed our team to success.”
Now, with UBC ahead, Edgson is focused on continuing to grow and make an impact at the next level.
“On the field, the goal is to win a national championship,” he said. “With nationals being held in Victoria next season, the chance to play in front of my friends and family means a lot. Off the field, it’s about continuing to push myself academically. Being a student-athlete is really important to me, and I’m excited to take full advantage of everything UBC has to offer in both areas.”
For younger players coming through the Pacific FC Youth system, Edgson hopes his journey serves as an example of what is possible through hard work and consistency.
“I’d say always work as hard as you can in every area of your life,” he said. “At least for me, the way you carry yourself and handle things off the pitch has a big impact on your game. Trying to approach everything with the same discipline, whether it’s training, school, or anything else, really adds up over time. That discipline is what allows you to take advantage of opportunities when they come.”
His commitment also reflects the growing range of pathways available to players within the Pacific FC system.
“I’m really excited for the younger players to see what’s ahead of them,” he said. “You’ve got Ti with the first team, Maksim playing professionally in Portugal, and then me going to UBC. I think it shows the different pathways this program can lead to and what you can achieve here if you’re willing to put in the work.”
Edgson’s next step is another strong example of the Pacific FC pathway in action, from local grassroots football to high-performance development, and now to the next level in the university game.
