Kyle Bekker, the captain of Forge FC in Hamilton, has officially announced his retirement from professional soccer. Bekker, who has led the team since its inception in 2019 in the Canadian Premier League (CPL), shared his decision on Thursday.
Reflecting on his time with the club, Bekker expressed gratitude for the experiences and bonds formed over the years. He emphasized the significance of Hamilton as his home and the honor of serving as Forge’s captain from the outset.
Having already planned his exit from the sport, Bekker acknowledged the success and growth achieved during his tenure, setting high standards for the team’s future endeavors. Despite facing challenges like a season-ending knee injury and a battle with testicular cancer earlier in the year, Bekker remained committed to his role on the team.
Originally hailing from Oakville, Ontario, the 36-year-old midfielder established himself through collegiate soccer at Boston College and stints with various Major League Soccer clubs, notably Toronto FC. His contributions to Forge FC include leading the team to multiple CPL championships, a Canadian Championship Final appearance, and a notable run in the CONCACAF club league.
With an impressive record of 27 goals and 32 assists for Forge FC, Bekker’s impact was further highlighted when he was named CPL Player of the Year in 2020. Coach Bobby Smyrniotis praised Bekker’s integral role within the team, emphasizing his leadership qualities and on-field presence.
The Canadian Premier League, which was co-founded by Bob Young, the primary shareholder of Hamilton Sports Group, is the parent company of Forge FC and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. As a tribute to Bekker’s legacy, the team plans to commemorate his contributions with special events during their upcoming match on October 12.
