Paradise boy has right genes for Canada Games

By Olivia Bradbury

It probably shouldn’t come as a surprise that the youngest player on Newfoundland’s soccer entry in next month’s Canada Games is the son of two former Canada Games athletes.

“I’ve just been around sports my whole life, really,” said Luke Fahey, 14, of Paradise. “I started playing soccer when I was two or three. Both my parents play soccer and were athletes, as well.”

Luke’s mother, Jennifer (nee Neville), has also been playing soccer her whole life. She participated in the 1997 Canada Games in Brandon, Manitoba as part of Newfoundland’s women’s soccer team. They took 7th place, beating Saskatchewan on penalty kicks, one of which Jennifer scored herself. 

“It doesn’t seem like that’s a huge feat, but for us it was,” said Jennifer. “We actually tied BC our first game 1-1 and they won the gold medal, so we kind of felt like we could compete at that level.” 

Jennifer still plays soccer in senior ladies intermediate.

Keith Fahey, Luke’s father, competed in track and field at two different Canada Games. He competed in the 10,000 meters at the 1989 games in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, and the 500 meters at the 1993 games in Kamloops, BC. He grew up in Labrador City, where he says they were lucky enough to have a trained track and field coach, Dave Thomas. Keith started participating in track and field in his early teens and still enjoys running.

Luke’s younger sister, Maria, is also an athlete. She plays soccer, with Jennifer coaching her Girls Under 13 Premier League team. Maria also plays basketball, volleyball, and runs cross-country. 

Luke, meanwhile, is delighted to play in the Canada Games in whatever role he is offered.

“I can play anywhere, but mostly in the midfield,” he said.

Luke plays school basketball as well. He played minor hockey until last year, leaving the sport to focus on soccer after he was added to the Canada Games team. Jennifer noted that Luke has had some training opportunities with the Vancouver Whitecaps. He attended a showcase in March, and was invited back for a trial with the Whitecaps Academy team in April.

Luke was added to the Canada Games pool in November 2024, and has been training with that group five days a week ever since. On the Canada Games team, Luke will play attacking mid-field. 

“It feels really good to be with this group,” said Luke. “I’m really excited to play in my hometown at the Canada Games. We have a very good group. All the players are good, and we have a good coaching staff.”

Luke’s parents, meanwhile, may be even more excited than he is.

“We’re so excited for him, so proud of him, and we can’t wait to watch,” said Jennifer, praising  Luke’s dedication and ambition. 

“It’s awesome,” said Keith, who noted that he had only great experiences when he competed himself. “To watch him play for Newfoundland, we’re obviously really proud. And just to take in the whole experience, and take in other sports and all that, it’s going to be exciting for sure.”

The Canada Games will be hosted in St. John’s and surrounding communities from August 8 to 25.