For one St. Cecilia School student, soccer is about much more than the game itself.
Grade 4 student Aidric Yeon-Woo Oh, known as Yeonny, has been selected as an official Match Ball Carrier for the FIFA World Cup 2026. Following a national selection process, he was chosen as one of just 13 children across Canada to take part in the prestigious opportunity.
On June 23, Yeonny will walk onto the pitch before the Croatia vs. Panama match in Toronto, carrying the official match ball in front of thousands of fans and a global audience.
What earned him this extraordinary opportunity was not only his love of soccer, but the inspiring story he shared about his younger brother, Senoch.
Last year, Senoch was diagnosed with blood cancer. As his family navigated long hospital stays, uncertainty, and difficult days, Yeonny found ways to support his brother through the challenges they faced together.
“When I heard he had to stay in the hospital, I didn’t understand everything,” Yeonny shared in his submission video. “I just knew it was serious, and it made me scared inside.”
Despite feeling afraid, he focused on being there for his brother. He spent time by his side, told him funny stories, and tried to make him laugh during treatments. Through it all, one thing continued to connect them: soccer.
Even in the hospital, the brothers watched soccer videos together and celebrated their favourite players. Senoch often talked about the day he would be strong enough to play again.
“He told me, ‘When I get better, let’s play again,'” recalled Yeonny. “Hearing that made me feel hope.”
Today, Senoch is doing much better, and the brothers are once again kicking a soccer ball together.
Reflecting on the experience, Yeonny says it taught him important lessons about courage, patience, and the power of supporting others.
“When I think about it, everything felt like soccer,” he said. “In soccer, you can’t win alone. You need your team with you.”
That message of teamwork, perseverance, and hope resonated with the national selection committee and helped earn Yeonny a place on one of the world’s biggest sporting stages.
His story is a powerful reminder that leadership can take many forms. Sometimes it means standing beside someone when they need you most, offering encouragement during difficult moments, and never giving up on the people you love.
The Ottawa Catholic School Board is proud to celebrate Yeonny’s remarkable achievement and the compassion, resilience, and faith-filled spirit he demonstrates both on and off the field.
Congratulations, Yeonny. We will be cheering you on as you represent St. Cecilia School, Ottawa, and Canada at the FIFA World Cup 2026.
