Newmarket's Max Ferrari got into soccer at age three, travelling to local fields and learning to handle the ball with both feet using mismatched socks, according to his father.
He said he always loved the sport, watching the World Cup and rooting for Chelsea in the English Premier League. But now he is living the dream playing professionally for York United FC as a midfielder.
“It’s what I was taught to do,” he said. “Being a soccer player, being an athlete. Throughout my whole life, I wanted to prove people wrong. I was always told I was the smallest, not fast enough, and that kind of kept me going. I knew I could be whom I wanted to be. I could be a pro soccer player.”
The 21-year-old is into his third season at the pro level with his hometown York team, his second on a full-time basis. After three years playing semi-pro with Aurora FC, Ferrari was signed in 2019.
“I had a good season,” Ferrari said of his rookie year in 2021, with three goals and four assists across 30 appearances. “Doing it for York Region, it’s extra special. I think there’s a lot to build on.”
His father, Domenic Ferrari, said soccer became something his son worked very hard at. The elder Ferrari was himself a soccer player and reached a high level in his youth, competing for the prestigious international Dallas Cup.
“He practised so much out of enjoyment. He loved to play so much on his own,” Ferrari said of his son. “I compared him to a figure skater or a dancer because he seemed to just glide on the field.”
The pro athlete started out playing both soccer and hockey. He saw success in both, winning two times in the international Silver Stick hockey tournament.
Bu Ferrari ultimately settled on soccer and said he felt better at it.
“I would say it was a close 50-50. He was a very good hockey player,” Ferrari's father said. “The game of soccer seemed like he had more to offer as far as an ability to be creative, special."
The decision has paid off for the soccer player. He made his pro debut with seven games in 2020, before playing in his first full season in 2021, helping his team make the playoffs and getting nominated for the best under 21 Canadian player award.
But he said he hopes the team can make it even farther this year, despite starting off with a loss and a tie.
“We want to make the playoffs, and then anything can happen in the playoffs. We want to make a playoff run."
“He just continues to amaze me,” the elder Ferrari said. “I do believe that there are higher plateaus to reach with his talent and capability and hard work in the mix."
The younger Ferrari said his family has been with him every step of the way, and it is great playing close to home.
But he said he does eye eventually taking another step to the next level of soccer, whether at home or abroad.
“Seeing (Canadian Premier League) players make the jump to (Major League Soccer) gives me that little hope, that realization that I can play at that next level."
