Marcus Channer has just spent a season with SC Vianense – Scrosoppi’s professional partner club in Portugal – following a successful two years playing in League1 Ontario. 

A pivotal player in the club’s 2024 League1 Ontario title win, he already has plenty of experience in the game and is now looking to continue to make his mark in the professional leagues. 

The 23-year-old began his career at Mount Hamilton before spending five years at Hamilton Sparta, and another four years at Oakville. He has also played for Burlington in the Ontario Player Development League, Team Ontario, Erin Mills, and McMaster University, before moving to Europe to play for FK Babrungas in Lithuania, and CD Huétor Tájar in Spain. 

He then returned to Canada, where his performances playing for Scrosoppi earned him starts for Vianense in the Portuguese Liga 3. 

Firstly, how would you describe your experience at Scrosoppi?

It was one of my best footballing experiences. I consider the club to be my second home and a place where I have made many close friends. It is filled with great people from top to bottom, and I couldn’t be any more grateful for everything they have done for me. 

The training is always at a high level and has a standard of competition that demands the absolute best from everyone at all times. If there were ever a chance for a League1 Ontario team to become a professional club, Scrosoppi would top that list.

What was it like being crowned a League1 Ontario champion in 2024, and who were the people who helped you along the way?

The League1 season is long and taxing, and to be able to lift the trophy alongside the people who worked and fought alongside me every day made everything worth it.

John Yacou [head coach] constantly demands the best from everyone. He’s an excellent coach and understands the importance of getting everyone to buy into the project. His knowledge of the game is top level, and the proof is in his track record, which speaks for itself. His winning mentality is contagious and reflective in results. Johnny Stancati was the team manager behind the scenes and wasn't afraid to tell it like it is.

Gary and Sara Raulino are true enthusiasts of the sport and what every League1 club should have in terms of ownership. They have brought opportunities to a number of players and work extremely hard to create pathways for Canadian footballers, which is something that this country is in dire need of. I’ve only known them for a short amount of time, and to be honest, I was shocked by how much they cared about me and my career. 

How did playing for Scrosoppi equip you to play at higher levels?

First, the training is at the level of and above other professional clubs I’ve played for. The structure and intensity of the sessions are at a professional level, and combining that with the players, most of whom have also played professionally at some point, created an environment that definitely prepared me for higher levels. 

My transition to SC Vianense wasn’t as difficult as some may think because of this.

How have you progressed on and off the field this year, and are you pleased with what you've achieved?

I have definitely progressed on the field. The level of training was next to none, so that goes without saying. 

Off the field, I feel as if I’ve come to realize the importance of living in the moment and enjoying the highs and not revelling in the lows. This is in regard to not only soccer but everything else in life. 

I am extremely pleased with what I’ve been able to achieve, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the people at Scrosoppi from top to bottom. This is a family.

Let's look ahead to the future; what are your targets for this year, and beyond?

My target for this year is to remain the course, return overseas – wherever that may be – and continue to prove why I deserve to play at higher levels. I am confident that I will be able to achieve this and leverage my career to its full potential.

What’s your message to younger players aspiring to play high-level soccer at Scrosoppi and beyond?

If this is something you truly want to do, you have to put in the work. It’s that simple. Of course, it is very important that you show up to team training and give your best, but in all honesty, it’s not enough.

You have to be doing things on your own. If all you’re doing is showing up to train with your team, you’re giving everyone else the opportunity to progress at the same level as you are. Give yourself the advantage, go to the field on your own, go to a trainer, do whatever it is that you can to make yourself a better player every single day and separate yourself from the rest.

You have to be willing to sacrifice your time and energy, but it does pay off. Every player that I know who is playing at a professional level has sacrificed in this manner to some extent. If this is something you want to do, it has to become your life, not just a hobby.