As Simon Fraser University (SFU) Men's Soccer gears up for an exciting season featuring fourteen talented new players, eyes are on Sadir Abud of Norway, a promising first-year student-athlete ready to make his mark.

Sadir joins SFU following an impressive youth soccer career in Norway. The youngest of four brothers, his passion for the sport was ignited by his eldest sibling, a devoted Manchester United fan. Inspired, Sadir and another brother would spend five to six hours a day practicing on their local pitch. The two eventually began playing for their local team and from there, Sadir joined Sarpsborg, a football club in Norway.

While at Sarpsborg, Sadir was picked to play for the Norwegian National Team in both 2019 and 2020. He went on to play seven games for Norway, scoring five goals. Reflecting on the opportunity, Sadir shared, "It's the experience every soccer player wants to go through. To be able to represent their country—there are few things that can top that experience."

In 2019, Sadir was on trial with Red Bull Salzburg and later received invitations to trial with the Italian club AS Roma and German team VfB Stuttgart, just before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. He went on to sign his first amateur contract with Fredrikstad in 2020, where he spent three seasons. Following that, he joined Lisleby FK while preparing for his transition to NCAA soccer with SFU. He cites a shared vision between himself and the SFU coaching staff as one of the key reasons he chose to sign with the team.

"I had lots of great conversations with the coaches—coach Clint and Harmse—who made this decision a lot easier. I feel like we had the same goal of trying to achieve big things here at SFU. So, it was a very clear decision for me. I'm very thankful to get the opportunity to be a part of this group."

Originally a striker, Sadir admits he loves scoring goals. He will be playing midfield this season where he says his job will primarily be to create chances for assists and goals.

"We are very excited about having Sadir on the team. He is a top person and a very good footballer. Like the thirteen other new players, he is adapting to the footballing philosophy that we are implementing with the group and is growing every day," shared Head Coach Clint Schneider.






Preseason play is underway for the team with three wins across their exhibition matches so far, including a goal by Sadir against Langara last week. "It was our first games, so we got to know (more) about each other, how we play (as) individuals and how we can bring that together to make our playing style as a group," Sadir explained. "It felt good to score my first goal here. It will hopefully not be the last," he laughed.

When asked about his goals for this season, Sadir responded with confidence, "Aim big, I'd say." He spoke about his ambition to help SFU reach the GNAC Championships and qualify for Nationals. "We've got a good group, and we definitely can achieve those things, we just have to keep improving and developing as a (team)."

With the Month of Welcome having just begun on campus and Sadir starting his classes at the Beedie School of Business, what he looks forward to most is meeting new people. "I've never really lived away from home, so (this) will be a cool experience to (have) on the other side of the world."

"I know that the Beedie program here is really good—it's one of the top programs in Canada. I think (business) is also what I like to do, so that kind of fit my preference in what I (might) want to do after soccer."

In addition to pursuing a business degree, Sadir is aiming high in the world of soccer. "In soccer, I want to go pro. I want to play for the Whitecaps for example, they're in the MLS," he said. "But my main focus (right now) is on SFU and to keep improving as a player".

While he misses his mother's cooking and being close to family, he shared that he's already starting to feel a sense of community at SFU. "The people here are very nice and very welcoming. I feel very close to my teammates already. They have been great at taking care of me as an international player."

"It's not always easy to be an international player or student but my teammates have definitely made it easier."



When asked what he likes about living at SFU Burnaby Campus so far, he shared, 'It's a beautiful city, it has everything here. When I have a day off, I'm not bored'.

As Sadir embarks on the start of a highly anticipated soccer season, his business classes, and the Month of Welcome, he has one message to share with fellow students and soccer fans in the community. "I encourage everyone to come and watch our home games. I think it will be a great season, and it will be good to share the experience we are going to have with our fans".

Your next opportunity to catch Sadir and the Men's Soccer team at home is next Thursday, September 11^th at 5pm. The team plays Stanislaus State at SFU Stadium at Terry Fox Field. Admission is free for all SFU and FIC students, faculty and staff with presentation of SFU ID and community members can purchase tickets here. Let's pack the stands and Rep the Leaf!