Soccer pitch
United opener a family affair for Halapirs
WATERLOO — They used to kick a soccer ball back and forth in the yard.
Now Michael Halapir and his dad, Mario, will be sharing the soccer pitch for K-W United FC’s home opener against the West Virginia Chaos Sunday at University Stadium.
“It’s going to be fun to do something with him,” said Michael. “I used to watch United games as a kid, so it’s kind of cool being on the other side of it now.”
Mario has been involved with United for the past couple of seasons and will be patrolling the sidelines as an assistant coach.
Michael is a fleet-footed midfielder embarking on his first full campaign with the Premier Development League club.
“I’m happy for him and that he’s able to get an opportunity at this level,” said Mario. “The guys here are a lot more serious. They’re trying to be pros, and for him that’s a great environment.”
Mario is a soccer staple in Waterloo Region.
He’s president at Core Lifestyle and Recreation Complex, runs local soccer academy Elite Athletes International, and coaches Wilfrid Laurier University’s men’s soccer team, among other things.
“Outside of my family, I love soccer more than anything,” he said. “I do it for a living, I breathe it every day.”
So the sport was a big deal around the Halapir household.
Dad coached his lad as he progressed through house league to Kitchener rep soccer. On the couch, Michael supports FC Barcelona; while his father remains neutral.
“He never picks a team,” said Michael. “He just watches the game.”
Their shared passion is just that. Mario always made a concerted effort to allow his son to develop his own taste in sports.
“One of the things I promised myself was that I was never going to pressure my kids into doing something they didn’t want to do,” he said. The strategy has paid off. “He never forced me to kick a soccer ball, I just like the sport,” said Michael. “I grew up playing multiple sports and I just found my way to soccer.”
And while they may be related, there are no favours on the field.
“He’s another player on the team and that’s how I’ve treated him,” said Mario.
At 19 years old, Michael is one of the youngest members on the veteran squad, but he has seen action in all three United contests this season.
“Soccer-wise he has quality for sure,” said Mario. “Physically he’s still maturing. At this level the athleticism is great and that’s an area he definitely has to improve on.”
United has won two straight games — both clean sheets — after dropping its opener to defending PDL champs the Michigan Bucks. The streak includes a 3-0 win over the Chaos back on May 18. They’ll look to make it three in a row on Sunday. Kickoff is at 4 p.m.
But win or lose, it will be a special day for the Halapirs.
“I’m excited,” said Mario. “Anything I can share with my son is special. This is just another opportunity to have an experience that later on we can look back on and be happy about.”