Impact Story | Kieran Eve
From the Pitch to Purpose: How Kieran Eve’s Journey with TeamUp Came Full Circle
When Kieran Eve first stepped onto a pitch with TeamUp, it wasn't as an intern—it was as a student-athlete with the Trinity Western University Spartans.
Competing at a high level while serving with purpose—that was the vision when Kieran and his TWU teammates traveled to Paraguay on a TeamUp impact trip. While in Paraguay, the Spartans competed in the TeamUp Cup, but the heart of the trip extended far beyond match play. Between games, the team ran soccer clinics for youth and completed community work projects alongside local leaders.
That first experience sparked a lasting connection. Fast-forward to this past summer, and Kieran stepped into a role as a TeamUp summer intern, taking what he experienced in South America and investing it right back into local communities across British Columbia—and on a second impact trip to Mexico.
Creating Fields of Belonging at Home and Abroad
At TeamUp, our mission centres on creating Fields of Belonging—safe, consistent spaces where children are seen, valued, and encouraged through sport. Whether running drills on grass pitches in the Fraser Valley or dust pitches abroad, that belonging is built by people who show up with consistency and heart.
For Kieran, serving across different contexts reinforced how universal the language of sport really is:
"TeamUp has impacted my life in so many different ways. It made me realize how much joy comes from serving the community, and how even just showing up to the events with energy can have a massive impact on the lives of children in the community.
I always look forward to every soccer session where you can feel the passion for soccer that the kids in every community, whether it’s Burnaby, Chilliwack, Langley or in Paraguay. I’ve seen how soccer brings people together. Working for TeamUp has also helped me see that I can be a good influence in the lives of others by being positive."
The Double Assist in Action
We often speak about the Double Assist—the reality that when athletes travel to encourage and serve others, their own lives and perspectives are transformed in the process. Kieran’s journey from a visiting athlete in Paraguay, and recently Mexico, to a summer intern leading programs in Burnaby, Chilliwack, and Langley is a testament to that principle.
His experience also highlights a fresh perspective on what it means to give back as a young adult:
"I think the beauty of working and volunteering with TeamUp is that it shows that generosity doesn’t always have to be monetary. For young adults, just giving an hour of your time in the evenings to play soccer and speak words of encouragement into the lives of children in your community is always worth it.”
The Ripples of Joy
When you create a space where a child feels valued, the impact doesn't end when the final whistle blows. It reaches families, coaches, and entire neighbourhoods.
"My time with TeamUp has brought so much joy into my life and I’ve seen so much joy in the lives of others in the community, from the kids in the soccer programs to the parents watching and cheering them on."
From competing in the TeamUp Cup in Paraguay to mentoring the next generation of players close to home, Kieran’s journey shows what happens when young leaders use their passion for sport to uplift others.
Ready to find your place on the team?
Whether you’re a student-athlete, young adult, or community member, there are opportunities to get involved locally or join an upcoming international impact trip.
TeamUp Impact Stories | September 14, 2026