CITY LINES:
KYLE BEKKER
Interview & Photos: Andre Varty
In North America, there is no better time to be a sports fan than during the playoffs — something our friends overseas may not truly understand. Fall means playoff footy across all leagues, and we wanted to showcase why this time of year is so special.
Over the next few weeks, we’ll be chopping it up with players from the MLS, CPL, and NSL as they prepare for the biggest games of their respective seasons. We caught up with Forge FC midfielder Kyle Bekker as he prepares for yet another post season campaign.
We chopped it up with Bekker about his leadership role at Forge, being part of the ever growing CPL, and his expectations going into this year's playoffs.
DARBY: Who are some people that have inspired you — not only as a footballer, but as a person?
KB: Honestly, in terms of the game, my idol growing up was Dennis Bergkamp. I have a vivid memory of coming home from practice and watching him score that goal against Argentina in the ’98 World Cup. It was the coolest thing I’d ever seen. Just watching him, and then following Zidane growing up. In terms of people who’ve pushed me — my dad, for sure.
I’ve been fortunate to play with some good players, but one that sticks out is David Edgar. I played with him on the national team, then at Forge, and now he’s started his coaching career here. I’m very fortunate to call him a friend and mentor. Obviously, Bobby’s played a role as well.
At what age or time did you first become a captain for a team?
KB: I think it was my Oakville team growing up. I believe I was one of the captains, starting around U-9s. I’ve never been the loudest guy. I think when you’re younger too, it’s more so just the coaches seeing that you’re showing leadership qualities. It was more like, “You’re good, you’re hardworking, you’re competitive.
Has that changed over the years?
KB: Yeah. The talent’s gone. [laughs] No, I think any good captain is just true to himself. I’ve played with certain guys who think they have to take on a certain role that’s not true to who they are, and I think the message just isn’t as strong. Just because you have the armband doesn’t mean you have to give a speech or be the loudest guy in the room. Just do you at the highest level. We’re really lucky at Forge that we have so many guys that want it. I’ve had a relationship with the coach since I played for him in 2014, but the reality is, in sports, the turnover’s crazy.
Do some players get advice from you?
KB: I’m an open book. This is something I’m passionate about. I’ve had a ton of experiences. Some of these guys might only know the Forge version of Kyle Bekker, but there was a version of Kyle Bekker that didn’t play week in and week out. I know the ups and downs, being away from home — all the stuff they’re going through, I’ve lived it. It’s not all sunshine and roses. I’ve made a ton of mistakes in my career, and I’m not shy to talk about them. So yeah, I’ll always be there for anyone who wants to ask or pick my brain about anything — and a lot of them do. That’s one of the coolest parts of this job. Everyone loves to complain about “this generation” of players, but they’re just different. It’s just a different way of communicating with them. Once you get on the same page, they still want the same things.
Over the next few weeks, we’ll be chopping it up with players from the MLS, CPL, and NSL as they prepare for the biggest games of their respective seasons. We caught up with Forge FC midfielder Kyle Bekker as he prepares for yet another post season campaign.
We chopped it up with Bekker about his leadership role at Forge, being part of the ever growing CPL, and his expectations going into this year's playoffs.
DARBY: Who are some people that have inspired you — not only as a footballer, but as a person?
KB: Honestly, in terms of the game, my idol growing up was Dennis Bergkamp. I have a vivid memory of coming home from practice and watching him score that goal against Argentina in the ’98 World Cup. It was the coolest thing I’d ever seen. Just watching him, and then following Zidane growing up. In terms of people who’ve pushed me — my dad, for sure.
I’ve been fortunate to play with some good players, but one that sticks out is David Edgar. I played with him on the national team, then at Forge, and now he’s started his coaching career here. I’m very fortunate to call him a friend and mentor. Obviously, Bobby’s played a role as well.
At what age or time did you first become a captain for a team?
KB: I think it was my Oakville team growing up. I believe I was one of the captains, starting around U-9s. I’ve never been the loudest guy. I think when you’re younger too, it’s more so just the coaches seeing that you’re showing leadership qualities. It was more like, “You’re good, you’re hardworking, you’re competitive.
Has that changed over the years?
KB: Yeah. The talent’s gone. [laughs] No, I think any good captain is just true to himself. I’ve played with certain guys who think they have to take on a certain role that’s not true to who they are, and I think the message just isn’t as strong. Just because you have the armband doesn’t mean you have to give a speech or be the loudest guy in the room. Just do you at the highest level. We’re really lucky at Forge that we have so many guys that want it. I’ve had a relationship with the coach since I played for him in 2014, but the reality is, in sports, the turnover’s crazy.
Do some players get advice from you?
KB: I’m an open book. This is something I’m passionate about. I’ve had a ton of experiences. Some of these guys might only know the Forge version of Kyle Bekker, but there was a version of Kyle Bekker that didn’t play week in and week out. I know the ups and downs, being away from home — all the stuff they’re going through, I’ve lived it. It’s not all sunshine and roses. I’ve made a ton of mistakes in my career, and I’m not shy to talk about them. So yeah, I’ll always be there for anyone who wants to ask or pick my brain about anything — and a lot of them do. That’s one of the coolest parts of this job. Everyone loves to complain about “this generation” of players, but they’re just different. It’s just a different way of communicating with them. Once you get on the same page, they still want the same things.
“Some of these guys might only know the Forge version of Kyle Bekker, but there was a version of Kyle Bekker that didn’t play week in and week out.”
Forge has had success over the years — has that past success made it easier to keep going?
KB: It’s never easier because there’s always that target. You’ve got to work hard. Winning is sweet, especially when you’ve got a group that gets along. Winning isn’t the be-all and end-all, but when you’re having success, working hard, going through tough times, and coming together to get out of it — that’s what makes the hard work worth it. This group has it. What was it, 25, 26 games unbeaten? That’s outrageous.
How have you and Forge remained so consistent over the past few years, especially with all the change in the league?
KB: One of the things I love most about team sports, especially at a professional level, is that I get to go to work with guys from different backgrounds who speak different languages. You have all these different experiences, and the beauty is figuring out how to bring all of that together and get everyone on the same page. That challenge alone is really cool. I have a lot of friends who do awesome things, but I don’t think they go into an office and have the same experiences. Then you add in the competition, the physical and emotional toll — it’s the coolest thing in the world. I’m very fortunate.
At the beginning of every season, everyone says the same thing: we’re all going to go out and win it. Everyone says the same shit on the first day of preseason. But going out and doing it is a whole different thing. We’ve been fortunate — we have a core group of guys who’ve stayed and had success. There’s also the pressure that comes with expectation. We’re expected to win, internally. So it’s like, you have to go and do it now. Something that’s stood out this year, and made us so successful, is that we have about twelve guys who golf. It’s time spent together off the pitch, getting to know each other on a deeper level, doing something that isn’t soccer.
So, would you say what you guys do off the field is just as important as what you do on it?
KB: I think one just amplifies the other. In the CPL, one of the challenges is that we’re not making $100 million. You can just get traded and uproot your whole life, your family, your girlfriend, your wife — some guys are here on their own, away from home. So this becomes their family outside of their family.
Forge has built a strong fanbase in the city, and it goes beyond just adults — you’ve hosted school day matches, what was that like?
KB: No one told me how many kids were going to come. I thought it was kind of a joke, and then these kids were going crazy. They were losing their minds. It was the best atmosphere ever — get these kids in every week. As a kid, I would’ve lost my mind. The Science Centre broke my brain — a professional sports game would’ve been the greatest thing ever. Also, the flip side is, okay, 15,000 people come out every single week. You don’t want a school day in? Fine — come out. Those kids could now be die-hard Forge fans. They’re telling their parents how great their day was. That’s the good stuff for us. There’s so much beauty in that. Sports are integral to community — they bring people together, teach life values. Getting kids involved at that age is special. We can have a positive impact on that.
KB: It’s never easier because there’s always that target. You’ve got to work hard. Winning is sweet, especially when you’ve got a group that gets along. Winning isn’t the be-all and end-all, but when you’re having success, working hard, going through tough times, and coming together to get out of it — that’s what makes the hard work worth it. This group has it. What was it, 25, 26 games unbeaten? That’s outrageous.
How have you and Forge remained so consistent over the past few years, especially with all the change in the league?
KB: One of the things I love most about team sports, especially at a professional level, is that I get to go to work with guys from different backgrounds who speak different languages. You have all these different experiences, and the beauty is figuring out how to bring all of that together and get everyone on the same page. That challenge alone is really cool. I have a lot of friends who do awesome things, but I don’t think they go into an office and have the same experiences. Then you add in the competition, the physical and emotional toll — it’s the coolest thing in the world. I’m very fortunate.
At the beginning of every season, everyone says the same thing: we’re all going to go out and win it. Everyone says the same shit on the first day of preseason. But going out and doing it is a whole different thing. We’ve been fortunate — we have a core group of guys who’ve stayed and had success. There’s also the pressure that comes with expectation. We’re expected to win, internally. So it’s like, you have to go and do it now. Something that’s stood out this year, and made us so successful, is that we have about twelve guys who golf. It’s time spent together off the pitch, getting to know each other on a deeper level, doing something that isn’t soccer.
So, would you say what you guys do off the field is just as important as what you do on it?
KB: I think one just amplifies the other. In the CPL, one of the challenges is that we’re not making $100 million. You can just get traded and uproot your whole life, your family, your girlfriend, your wife — some guys are here on their own, away from home. So this becomes their family outside of their family.
Forge has built a strong fanbase in the city, and it goes beyond just adults — you’ve hosted school day matches, what was that like?
KB: No one told me how many kids were going to come. I thought it was kind of a joke, and then these kids were going crazy. They were losing their minds. It was the best atmosphere ever — get these kids in every week. As a kid, I would’ve lost my mind. The Science Centre broke my brain — a professional sports game would’ve been the greatest thing ever. Also, the flip side is, okay, 15,000 people come out every single week. You don’t want a school day in? Fine — come out. Those kids could now be die-hard Forge fans. They’re telling their parents how great their day was. That’s the good stuff for us. There’s so much beauty in that. Sports are integral to community — they bring people together, teach life values. Getting kids involved at that age is special. We can have a positive impact on that.
How do you think the World Cup will impact the sport in this country?
KB: The reality is, the eyes of the whole world will be on our country. People are going to fall in love with it, and from that, it’ll grow. We’ve got things in place that are being built brick by brick. We have to start somewhere.The fans and people who love this game are always going to want more, always pushing the envelope — but some things just take time.Being able to go down the street and watch a professional game that’s competitive and exciting — your team playing in the Concacaf Champions Cup, which is the biggest competition in our continent — that’s huge. Kids are going to be born now into being Forge fans, Cavalry fans, Halifax fans. That’s special. We were playing in Calgary, and there was a dad holding a kid — probably three years old — screaming at me before warmup. I’m like, this kid’s going to be born to hate Kyle Bekker. You love that. It’s great. He’s born into it.
How would you describe Hamilton to someone who’s never been here?
KB: I mean, it’s just a legit city. There’s obviously a blue-collar element to it, given its industry and history, and that’s still ingrained in the city. But there are so many things to do — great restaurants, great bars, great coffee shops. It’s a great night out.
How does it feel to have been part of the CPL since its early days, knowing you’ve played a role in growing the game in this country?
KB: Honestly, when you think about it like that, yeah — Forge and the CPL have played a role in growing the game in this country. Every team in the CPL has. It’s brought more eyes to the game and given more opportunities for kids.
Just throwing stuff at the wall and seeing what sticks is important. We all know it’s not a perfect product, but you have to start somewhere. We’ve started, there’s been success and growth, so let’s keep the train going.
Something small — our games are on TSN now. It’s crazy. You used to dream about playing on TV — now you can. You can go play for your local team, be a local hero, go on and do something bigger. By the time you’re 18, 19, 20 years old, you could have 50 professional games.
KB: The reality is, the eyes of the whole world will be on our country. People are going to fall in love with it, and from that, it’ll grow. We’ve got things in place that are being built brick by brick. We have to start somewhere.The fans and people who love this game are always going to want more, always pushing the envelope — but some things just take time.Being able to go down the street and watch a professional game that’s competitive and exciting — your team playing in the Concacaf Champions Cup, which is the biggest competition in our continent — that’s huge. Kids are going to be born now into being Forge fans, Cavalry fans, Halifax fans. That’s special. We were playing in Calgary, and there was a dad holding a kid — probably three years old — screaming at me before warmup. I’m like, this kid’s going to be born to hate Kyle Bekker. You love that. It’s great. He’s born into it.
“The reality is, the eyes of the whole world will be on our country. People are going to fall in love with it, and from that, it’ll grow.”
How would you describe Hamilton to someone who’s never been here?
KB: I mean, it’s just a legit city. There’s obviously a blue-collar element to it, given its industry and history, and that’s still ingrained in the city. But there are so many things to do — great restaurants, great bars, great coffee shops. It’s a great night out.
How does it feel to have been part of the CPL since its early days, knowing you’ve played a role in growing the game in this country?
KB: Honestly, when you think about it like that, yeah — Forge and the CPL have played a role in growing the game in this country. Every team in the CPL has. It’s brought more eyes to the game and given more opportunities for kids.
Just throwing stuff at the wall and seeing what sticks is important. We all know it’s not a perfect product, but you have to start somewhere. We’ve started, there’s been success and growth, so let’s keep the train going.
Something small — our games are on TSN now. It’s crazy. You used to dream about playing on TV — now you can. You can go play for your local team, be a local hero, go on and do something bigger. By the time you’re 18, 19, 20 years old, you could have 50 professional games.
Leading up to the game on Sunday, with the record you guys have, what keeps you motivated? You’ve already done it before — does the hunger stay, or does the mentality have to shift?
KB: Our end goal was always the next one. Obviously, this was a goal, but the goal was the double from the get-go. We’re halfway there, and we know it’s not done. It’s not going to be given to us. Sunday’s going to be a very difficult game against an opponent with something to prove.
Winning the regular-season trophy gives you that high, but there’s always a chance of coming down — and we felt that last year. So the guys in this locker room know that feeling, and we don’t want it to happen again.
All of this is easier said than done — it’s 90 minutes of football, anything can happen. But the goal is to be lifting another trophy, and ideally, lifting it in Hamilton.
KB: Our end goal was always the next one. Obviously, this was a goal, but the goal was the double from the get-go. We’re halfway there, and we know it’s not done. It’s not going to be given to us. Sunday’s going to be a very difficult game against an opponent with something to prove.
Winning the regular-season trophy gives you that high, but there’s always a chance of coming down — and we felt that last year. So the guys in this locker room know that feeling, and we don’t want it to happen again.
All of this is easier said than done — it’s 90 minutes of football, anything can happen. But the goal is to be lifting another trophy, and ideally, lifting it in Hamilton.
This interview has been edited for brevity and clarity.