Scrosoppi are continually looking to develop young players coming through, and 18-year-old midfielder Matias Cortes had a breakthrough season in Milton in 2024.

Cortes began his career at ProStars FC in 2015 and rose through the club’s ranks for eight years before making the move to Scrosoppi in 2023. He had a starring role in Scrosoppi’s Men’s League2 Division side in the following League1 Ontario campaign, and started one game in the Men’s Premier Division against his former club, as he shone as a player beyond his years.

His season earned him time at Scrosoppi’s partner club SC Vianense in Portugal, giving him valuable experience in a professional environment. He’s since returned to Canada and received regular minutes with Hamilton United in the League1 Ontario Men’s Championship – a level up from the League2 Division.

While finishing the 2025 season in different club colours, Cortes has fond memories from his experiences at Scrosoppi and shared with scrosoppifc.ca his highlights and ambitions.

Matias, how would you describe your experience at Scrosoppi?

My experience at Scrosoppi was really enjoyable. I had the chance to grow both as a player and a person while being part of a competitive and supportive environment. The team culture, coaching, and overall atmosphere made it a positive and memorable part of my journey.

The environment helped me stay motivated and focused, and I had the chance to train with quality coaches and teammates, and be in a place where I could keep developing and challenging myself every day.

Who at the club has helped to bring the best out of you, and how did they achieve that?

The people who brought the best out of me at Scrosoppi were the coaches I had the chance to work with; Bojan, John, Manny, and Uros. They consistently gave me opportunities to train and play wherever and whenever I was eligible, whether in the reserves or the men’s teams. That trust and belief pushed me to raise my level and stay ready for every opportunity.

How did being at Scrosoppi raise your standards and prepare for your first professional contract?

The consistently high level of training and coaching, and the environment which was both demanding and supportive, pushed me to grow. I was also exposed to players who had already competed at high levels, and being around that kind of talent was a big driver in my own improvement. It showed me the standard I needed to aim for and helped me get there.

The main highlight of my time at Scrosoppi was the opportunity to gain exposure to SC Vianense in Portugal. Through the club, I was able to live abroad and experience soccer in a European environment, which was an incredible learning experience. I also had the chance to meet great people along the way and grow both on and off the field.

How do you think you have progressed as a player this year? Are you pleased with your development?

Yes, I’m definitely pleased with how I’ve progressed this year. On the field, I’ve developed as a player, becoming more confident and adaptable. Off the field, the experiences I’ve had, especially living abroad and playing with different teams, have helped me grow as a person. I learned a lot about myself, both in terms of how I handle challenges and how I carry myself in new environments.

After all that you’ve achieved on the field, what are the types of things you do off the field that help you prepare and stay energized for soccer?

To prepare for each gameday, I make sure to get a good night’s sleep the night before so I’m well-rested and ready to perform. Mentally, I spend time visualizing key moments and decisions I might face during the game to stay sharp and focused. A strong week of training leading up to the match also plays a big role in helping me feel confident and prepared when it’s time to step on the field.

I have a few interests beyond soccer that are really important to me. I enjoy watching movies, working out, and spending quality time with friends and family – it helps me stay balanced and recharged. 

I’m also passionate about engineering and Formula 1. I’ve always been curious about how things work, and F1 combines that with the competitive spirit I love in sports. These interests give me a sense of purpose outside of soccer and help me stay well-rounded.

What advice do you have to young players like yourself who are aspiring to play high-level soccer at Scrosoppi and beyond?

My message to younger players is to always believe in yourself and trust your abilities. Stay confident, even when things get tough, and most importantly, love what you do. Passion and enjoyment will carry you through the challenges and help you keep pushing to reach your goals.

That’s great advice. What are your goals moving forward?



I want to stay ready and keep developing so when the opportunity comes, I can perform at my best. 

Beyond this year, I aim to compete at higher levels of soccer while also focusing on my personal growth off the field, including my studies and career goals in engineering. Balancing both will help me become a stronger athlete and individual.