During their training stint in San Luis with Atlético de San Luis, we caught up with Tyr and Gabby for an exclusive video interview. They shared insights into their journey, from adjusting to a new environment to embracing the challenges of high-performance training.
Here’s what they had to say about this transformative opportunity:
How is the training in San Luis different than what you are used to back in Canada?
Tyr: To be honest, the training is really fun. There’s lots of play [in training] so you are never static and always moving. The game is very fast paced, everyone presses and it’s a fun environment to be in. It’s very challenging and it pushes me to improve everyday.
Gabby: There are a lot of first-team players that come down [to train with] with the U-23s so we got to experience that too. It just gave us a confidence boost to see that we are able to play and perform with guys like that.
What’s it like having your teammate and close friend with you to experience this journey?
Tyr: Having someone you can talk to because obviously there’s a bit of a language barrier. I’ve been getting better though, on my 18-day Duolingo streak so my Spanish is coming along. Having one of my best friends Gabby with me is a big help.
Gabby: This experience would have been way different if we came alone or with someone else. The fact that we’re good friends, teammates, and kind of in similar situations too. I can’t lie, without me here he [Tyr] wouldn’t survive because his Spanish is awful.
What are some of the challenges you face? Have you had a chance to explore the city and enjoy the culture?
Tyr: Sometimes the coach will be talking and they don’t care that we don’t really know Spanish so he’ll speak very fast but to be honest it’s not that much of a [challenge]. Football is football, you pick up and see things and you just keep moving forward.
Gabby: One of our teammates who speaks good English (…) he was probably the most welcoming to us. He brought us to try tacos, tortas, and quesadillas. He took us to try a dessert that they have here [that is] ice cream with cream that they’ve made themselves.
How do you think this experience will shape you as a player and person?Tyr: I think it’s helped me grow. I can appreciate different cultures, and feel like it’s helped me gain confidence and be able to make friends in any environment.
Gabby: The spirit here has given me a taste of what it’s like to be in season again training with a team. It’s great to be here but I can’t wait to be with my Atlético Ottawa in Canada and just getting ready and working hard to have a winning season.
What are your expectations going into the 2025 season?
Gabby: Like I said when I signed my new contract, I’ve been here for two years and it’s been great, but I think it’s about time for us to win something and I won’t sleep at night until we get something done this year.
Tyr: I think everyone is excited to get back to work, and [I’m] excited to see everyone back at TD Place.
