Ben MacKinnon - 2009 Goalkeeper
About Me
Elite Goalkeeper Development Through Professional Mindset
I am a 2009-born goalkeeper currently based in Nice, France, competing in the French Football Federation U17 National Division with Cavigal Nice. My development has been shaped by consistent exposure to elite training environments in both Europe and North America, with a strong emphasis on technical detail, match realism, and professional standards.
I was recently called up by the Canadian Men's U17 National Soccer Team for the 2026 CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers in San José, Costa Rica. It was an honour to be considered to represent my country in the position and the game I love.
I went on to win Le Trophée Espoir du Football 2026 in France and was also selected as the goalkeeper for the U17 National Top 11 team, an honorary selection recognizing the strongest possible best eleven across the league. Those honours represent national recognition at the very top of the U17 National level.
My pathway includes academy football in France, MLS NEXT competition with Vancouver Whitecaps FC, and specialized goalkeeper training through long-term programs such as Simon Smith Goalkeeping Academy and international academies including the Michel Hidalgo Football Academy. These experiences have helped build a complete goalkeeping profile—shot stopping, game understanding, distribution, and decision-making under pressure.
I am fully committed to long-term development and continual improvement. I value discipline, coachability, and accountability, and I take pride in preparing every day to compete at the highest level possible while adapting to different styles of play, cultures, and competitive demands.
Le Trophée Espoir du Football 2026
Winner - Best Goalkeeper
Winner of Le Trophée Espoir du Football 2026 in France after first being shortlisted among the top U17 National goalkeepers in the country.
U17 National Top 11 Team
Goalkeeper Selection
Selected as the goalkeeper for the U17 National Top 11, an honorary best-XI recognition across the full league.
Technical Proficiency
Highlights
- All Highlights
- Cavigal Nice
- Whitecaps
Resume
International and National Selection Milestones
Le Trophée Espoir du Football 2026
Winner - Best Goalkeeper
Winner of Le Trophée Espoir du Football 2026 in France after emerging from a shortlist of the leading U17 National goalkeepers in the country.
U17 National Top 11 Team
Goalkeeper Selection
Chosen as the goalkeeper for the U17 National Top 11, an honorary best-XI selection recognizing the strongest team the league could field.
2026 CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers
Canada Soccer U17 Men's National Team
Selected to the Canadian Men's U17 National Team roster for the 2026 CONCACAF U17 World Cup Qualifiers in San José, Costa Rica.
Developmental Journey
Cavigal Nice
U17 National - French Football Federation
2024 - Present Nice, FranceJoined the top amateur club in the French U17 National Division in July of 2024. Starting goalkeeper since September 2025 playing against top competition including OGC Nice, AS Monaco and Saint Etienne U17 professional academy teams.
2025 - 2026 U17 National Division season stats:
- 19 games played
- 14 wins
- 2 losses
- 3 draws
- 16 goals against
- 8 clean sheets
- 1 of 3 penalties saved
Canada Soccer - U17 Canadian Men's National Team
2026 CONCACAF U17 World Cup Qualifiers
Feb 1 - Feb 14, 2026 San José, Costa RicaSelected to the Canadian Men's National Team U17 roster for the 2026 CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers in San José, Costa Rica.
Vancouver Whitecaps
U15 MLS Next
2022 - 2024 Vancouver, CanadaJoined the Vancouver Whitecaps MLS professional club academy in August of 2022 at the U14 Pre-MLS Next level and was called up to the U15 MLS Next team in October as an injury replacement. Remainded with the U15 team through the season.
Competed in all MLS Next events: Fest, Flex and Generation Adidas Cup.
Mountain United Soccer Club
U12/U13 BC Soccer Premier League
2021 - 2022 Vancouver, CanadaJoined at U12 for the Intake Team and played a second season with the U13 team prior to joining the Vancouver Whitecaps U14 MLS Next team.
Burnaby District Metro Selects
U12 Regional Selects
2020 - 2021 Vancouver, CanadaPlayed for the regional select team one year up.
Academy Training
International Football Academy Program
Michel Hidalgo Football Academy (Antibes, France)
Elite development program combining high-level football training with structured academic support in a full immersion environment in France.
- Technical + tactical development with an emphasis on work habits, rigour, and match-ready intensity
- Individual and collective training blocks with arrival assessment and ongoing progression focus
- Physical development (gym and outdoor work): cardio, core strength, flexibility, evaluations and testing
- Video analysis used to support learning, correction, and performance improvement
- Competitive pathway through an FFF-affiliated club environment (training + championship matches)
Advanced Goalkeeper Training Program
Simon Smith Goalkeeping Academy
Specialist goalkeeper development focused on modern GK technique and match-realistic training scenarios.
- Position-specific warm-ups, handling, and footwork foundations
- Diving mechanics, shot stopping, and reaction training
- 1v1 decision-making and breakaway situations
- Cross management: timing, positioning, and high-ball control
- Back-pass solutions and distribution with hands and feet
- Game-based drills designed to transfer directly into team performance
Excellence Program
Roman Tulis European Soccer School of Excellence
A year-round training environment built to push committed players toward higher levels of performance—on the field and off it—through a strong culture of excellence, respect, and attention to detail.
- Selective training environment for players with serious aspirations to compete at the highest level
- High standards and accountability: intensity, detail, and consistency in every session
- Technical development with game-realistic repetitions and decision-making
- Growth mindset emphasis: coachability, discipline, and professionalism
- Culture-based development: respect between players, coaches, and parents
Contact
I am currently located in Nice on the beautiful Côte d'Azur region in southern France. While much of my time sees me focused on my rigorous training and competitive schedule with Cavigal Nice, I do travel to North America frequently.
Get in touch with me using the contact form below and I will answer as soon as I can.