The video footage is astonishing.

Danial Rafisamii anxiously sits in his living room, surrounded by his family and watches the CPL-U Sports Draft unfold bit-by-bit on the television.

He know's he's got a chance but there are only four picks left in the second round. Next up: his local side, York United FC. His Ontario Tech team-mate, Chris Campoli, has already been selected by Jimmy Brennan. Could they possibly be reunited and get to live out their professional dreams together?

"The whole day I was so nervous," he says.

"I could barely eat anything. I was just focused: 'What if today is the day? What if today I'm going to get my name called? Hopefully Jimmy calls my name.'"

Brennan did call Rafisamii's name and the dream became a reality.

"It's a very big deal," says the 19-year-old midfielder.

For Campoli, a native of Woodbridge, he's grateful to the Canadian Premier League for giving young domestic players a chance to pursue their goal of becoming professional players.

"It's super special to represent the local team," he says.

"Without the CPL and the opportunities they've given players like myself and others around Canada to play professionally in your own backyard, it wouldn't be possible."

Watch our full video feature on the boys' draft story: Chasing The Dream.

Share this Story