Pacific Names Josh Heard As New Captain

One of Victoria’s own will don the captain’s armband for Pacific FC starting this year.

After lighting up the wings for Pacific over the last three seasons, Josh Heard has been appointed as club’s new captain ahead of the 2023 CPL season, succeeding the retired Jamar Dixon in the role.

“It’s a huge honour,” said Heard. “This is my home, this is my club, and every time I’m out there I wear the badge with serious pride so the fact that I’m now going to be captain and lead this team from the front is something I’m very proud of.”

While born in Cardiff, Heard moved from Wales to Canada when he was three, with his family settling in Victoria. As a young boy, the Tridents attacker developed his talents with the Lakehill Soccer Association, Victoria Metro, and the Victoria Highlanders before turning professional.

After plying his trade with the University of Washington, Heard signed on with USL Championship sides Bethlehem Steel FC and Real Monarchs before moving abroad to play for Pinzgau Saalfelden in Austria.

He returned home to sign with Pacific FC in the summer of 2020, making five appearances in the shortened Island Games season before exploding onto the scene in the subsequent year.

Heard made 29 appearances for the Tridents en route to a North Star Shield win, with the left winger bagging five goals as the club also qualified for another club first: qualifying for continental action.

Last season saw Heard’s influence continue to grow out on the left flank, with the winger tallying up an impressive eight goals and six assists through 32 appearances. Drawing defenders in with a fast pace and quick footwork, he’s proven to be a dangerous forward with a great eye for goal.

“In my opinion, what makes a great captain is someone who is easy to speak to and to approach,” says former captain Jamar Dixon. “Josh is a guy that comes to training and what you see there is what you see in the game. He doesn’t vary from that, there’s no difference in his training ability to his game ability. He holds himself to a high standard.”

“Josh leads by example in his daily approach to the craft,” adds head coach James Merriman. “He’s a top professional and holds the values of our club. He will be an excellent captain for our group going forward into the season.”

Heard will be supported by a leadership team – we supposed you could call them vice-captains – of Manny Aparicio, Amer Didic, and Thomas Meilleur-Giguere.

Heard will play his first match as team captain on April 15, when Pacific kicks off its fifth-ever season at home against new neighbours Vancouver FC.

Header Image Photo Credit: John Jacques