Canadian Youth International Shamit Shome Has Strong Debut For Eddies

Photo credit: Matt May/Tampa Bay Rowdies

FC Edmonton’s Shamit Shome added another accomplishment to his young career this past weekend, making his professional debut against the Tampa Bay Rowdies. Shome is the most recent product of the FC Edmonton Academy to sign a professional contract with the club’s first team.

It’s been a whirlwind year for the 18-year-old, who graduated from the Eddies' academy program in 2015 before entering the University of Alberta’s men’s soccer program for their 2015 varsity season. Shome made an impact at the collegiate level immediately, starting in every match of the season and capping what would be his lone season as a member of the Golden Bears with a Canada West Rookie of the Year selection. 

Shome’s signing with FC Edmonton was announced following the conclusion of the Canadian Interunversity Sport (CIS) season, with the Edmonton native joining his hometown team for the opening of training camp in early February.

Shome’s selection to the Canadian men’s U-20 roster (alongside fellow academy graduate Marko Aleksic) versus England was announced during the team’s Scotland preseason trip. Shome started in the international friendly that included players such as Manchester United FC’s Marcus Rashord. 

Three matches into the 2016 NASL campaign, Shome can add a professional start to his growing résumé.

“It was a really exciting moment for me to realize I would be starting,” Shome said. “At first I couldn’t believe it. I was shocked, but at the same time I was really excited.”

Shome’s Starting XI selection last week came as no surprise to FC Edmonton Academy technical director and first team assistant coach Jeff Paulus, who has observed the midfielder develop through his time with the academy.

“[I saw Shamit’s potential to step into a Starting XI role] after watching him play last year with the academy,” Paulus said. “Really stepping up his growth there, really stepping up his growth with the Canadian U-18 team that went to France and also now with the U-20’s and head coach Rob Gale. He’s such a balanced overall player. This has been a year coming, knowing that Shamit could play. His ability to play at this level was never in doubt by me.”

Shome was impressive in his inaugural match on Saturday, registering 80 minutes and connecting on 18 of 20 total passes. The midfielder will now be tasked with putting forth consistent performances on a match-to-match basis as the NASL season progresses.

“If I continue playing the way I have in training and performing alongside the guys I’ll be able to keep developing as a player,” Shome added. “Now I have got to keep pushing [for minutes on the pitch], whether it’s as a sub or as a starter. Either way I’m looking to come in and make an impact.”