Bournemouth youth coach Patrick Wilson: It’s an honour to captain Cascadia at first ever friendly

Patrick Wilson was one of the stand out players during Cascadia’s tilt at the ConIFA World Football Cup. His presence at centre half steadied the ship after he missed the opening game, a 4-1 loss to Ellan Vannin.

His partnership with his brother Jordan was vital in seeing the side recover from that opening loss to somehow qualify from their group.

With James Riley not heading to London, Patrick has assumed the captaincy, which seemed a logical place to start the interview:

Prost: What does it mean to you to be only the second ever captain of Cascadia?

Patrick Wilson: It is an honour to be made captain for the match. I have big shoes to fill as James Riley did an excellent job last year at the CONIFA World Cup. I hope to do the same on Saturday and I want the performance to be very good and we come out with a victory.

Prost: What has been happening in your career since the ConIFA World Cup?

Patrick Wilson: It was a great experience playing in the ConIFA World Cup and it will be a memory that will last forever. After the tournament I continued working as a coach in the academy at AFC Bournemouth and I also was a player manager for New Milton Town FC. Being a manager this season has helped me out a lot with what I want to do long term in my career.

Prost: What do you remember of the tournament; any abiding memories?

Patrick Wilson: I remember the third game if the tournament the most. We can into half time with a comfortable 2-0 lead but then we found out that we needed to win by more to qualify for the next round. I just remember the group having a lot of team spirit and we ended winning the match 6-0 to qualify.

Jordan (6) and Patrick Wilson (5) are brothers and best friends
Photo: Ali Gilmore/Prost Soccer

Prost: Have the squad being about keeping in touch? Were new friendships made?

Patrick Wilson: Everyone is still in touch and social media is key to that. We all follow each other on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. It’s a good way to stay connected and most of the group are progressing really well in their football careers. I would love to get that group back together as there were so many friendships built.

Prost: Have others in football asked you much about it?

Patrick Wilson: It’s so hard trying to explain what Cascadia is but I do my best. I just said it was one of my favourite experiences so far in my football career and I hope I can get a few more call ups in the future. I would love to go over to America for the friendly as well.

Prost: What’s your brother up to these days?

Patrick Wilson: My brother is doing really well and he is playing in Denmark for Nykøbing FC in the first division. He’s doing well and getting good individual accolades over there and I’m hoping he will progress to the top flight in Danish football soon. He’s good enough for that level so only time will tell.