Jian Sweiss, also known as Jiji, plays for the Burlington Bayhawks U13 Girls OPDL team as an attacking midfielder. This Fall, Jiji will have the opportunity to travel to Madrid to train with CD Leganes women’s team. CD Leganes has a very high standard of play for their women’s teams playing in the top 2 divisions of Spanish women’s soccer. 

Jiji has been training with Ian Mcclurg who believes that Jiji has all the right ingredients for training in Europe with hopes to play professionally one day. In Madrid, Jiji will take part in some incredible experiences playing five matches, participating in a wide variety of training sessions and also have the opportunity to visit the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, home of Real Madrid and one of Europe’s most iconic stadiums. 

Jiji first became interested in soccer through her older sister, Ayana. Ayana has also played in the OPDL with the Bayhawks and is an excellent role model to her younger sister. After watching her sister and practicing with her, she found a love for the sport and has never stopped playing. Some of Jiji’s favourite soccer memories include winning Midfield MVP at a University of North Carolina Women’s Elite Soccer camp for U11-U14 players in 2018 and winning the 2018 Rochester tournament with her U12 Bayhawks team. Jiji has also recently had the opportunity to train with Alfredo Sainz in California, who has trained some of the best talents in the USA. Jiji’s dream is to win a gold medal for the Canadian Women’s National team and play for Manchester City’s Women’s team like Janine Beckie. Her favourite player, who she hopes to one day meet and play with is Jesse Flemming. 

Congratulations on your success and keep up the phenomenal work Jiji!