Timberwolves welcome physical, skilled defender Zack Sidhu

The University of Northern British Columbia Men’s Soccer team has tapped into the Victoria pipeline to add a physical, aggressive defensive presence, officially announcing the commitment of Zack Sidhu for the 2023 Canada West season, and beyond.

“It has always been a dream of mine, so I am really happy to be here. Really glad to be with Coach Steve (Simonson) and playing with all these guys. They’re all great. I trained with the Victoria Highlanders over the last two summers, so getting to know everyone who comes down there to play has been great. I really feel like I belong here.”

Standing six-foot-three with broad shoulders and a rangy frame, the Gorge FC product is a presence on the pitch. Quick to make contact with opposing players and assertive with the ball at his feet, Sidhu hopes to keep developing with every training session with his new Timberwolves teammates.

“I am quick and I am very physical. I like getting stuck into tackles and I really like playing the long ball, but playing with playing with my feet is also a good aspect of my game.”

Sidhu has spent the past two summers training with Victoria Highlanders FC of League1 BC. The Highlanders are led by Steve Simonson, and the roster is chock full of Timberwolves players looking to continue their development at an elite level.

Simonson was immediately impressed by Sidhu, who prefers to play on the left side of defensive formations, and has the physical and mental profile to affect games at the highest level of university sport in the country.

“I am really happy to add Zack to our program. Hack is a very strong defensive player who helps provide the necessary stability to be successful as a team in Canada West. He fits the chemistry of the group and has a high ceiling in all aspects of his game. I look forward to working with him over his time at UNBC.”

The 20-year-old, who is a graduate of Royal Bay Secondary, has won numerous sportsmanship awards for his work on the pitch; an especially impressive feat considering the style of play and intensity he prefers while competing.

The jump to the Canada West conference is the culmination of 15 years of hard work, and he is ready to do so in green and gold.

“I just fell in love with it. I was a little kid playing Timbits, out there scoring goals, so it made me fall in love with it. Watching it is great too. It has been a goal since I was five years old, so I have been working my way up since then.”

Sidhu is enrolled in UNBC’s commerce program. He is in Prince George, training alongside his fellow TWolves in preparation for the Canada West campaign. The Timberwolves open the season August 25th at Masich Place against the reigning Canada West champion UBC Thunderbirds.

“It’s going to feel great. I am going to have goosebumps. It is a dream of mine, so I am really excited.”