Grayson Tedford '26 Recruiting Profile

My name is Grayson (Gray) Tedford and I am a young aspiring soccer player looking to make it to the highest levels of competition, with the drive to get there!  

My time in soccer began when I was 5 and it was while playing competitive soccer for Tillsonburg Minor Soccer that I learned that I wanted to pursue a more competitive and challenging path to help me meet my goals of playing at a professional level. I made the choice to move to Whitecaps London FC, where I have played for the past five years as starter and captain for the u13, u14, u15, u16 (current) OPDL Boys teams (OPDL is the Top you soccer league in Canada).  Being a part of this program has also allowed me to further develop through extra practice and playing time with the u16/u17 boys teams and has helped improve to the level of being selected to the Ontario Xcel Provincial screening trials/program, Soccer Ontario Gatorade 5 v 5 Tournament, as well as, the 2023 & 2024 Vancouver Whitecaps FC National Combine Player Showcase in Vancouver BC.  Currently I am awaiting clearance for international/ Euro experiences and hoping to be able to move forward and complete my offer acceptance with a Scholars Academy in the UK.

During my time with the Whitecaps I have been fully committed to my development within their club program(s), as well as, with private academy skills training and camps.   My focus is always to grow and enhance my skills, knowledge and versatility within the game and to become the most well rounded and complete player possible.  Being willing and able to step into any position is something I believe in and am always willing to do what is required to help my team on and off the field.  I have played prominent roles, as CB/CDM and have recently transitioned into my more natural CM/CAM position over the past year.  Being versatile and wanting to experience different areas of the game, not only helps me become a better player, but it also allows me to become a better teammate and leader.  Being able to lead from experience allows me to better help my teammates during practice and in games.  I take pride in being able to help others excel to be their best, and I am always willing to offer and accept feedback, and assist with any corrections when I am able to or when I am asked.  This past summer I also volunteered my time as a coach/ mentor with the FutureCaps program, helping new young players start their soccer journeys.

My personality and drive makes sure that I am serious and working my hardest anytime I am on the field for practice or games, but to always remain as positive as possible and have an upbeat attitude.  My tendencies are to lead by example and this includes being accountable, offering constructive feedback and to keep things fun and positive at all times for players and coaches.  Being a good communicator and socially adaptable are some of my key strengths and I love being around my teammates, coaches, and people in general.

As for post secondary education, I am still undecided, but I am heavily interested in remaining in sports in some way regardless.  I am very interested in Sports management, marketing and sciences.  If I was to work outside of sports, I would be interested in other business management programs, or computer programming/ design and/or the hospitality industry possibly.

Thanks for taking the time to learn a little more about me!