16-year-old P.E.I. soccer phenom Joelle Bader chasing her dreams at Vancouver Whitecaps’ academy [Video]

Joelle Bader hopes to play some day for Canada’s national senior women’s soccer team. Playing professionally is also a dream for the 16-year-old Charlottetown native.

If it happens — fantastic. If it doesn’t, she’s making sure it won’t be due to a lack of effort.

“The one goal I’d like to achieve would be not regretting anything, knowing I worked as hard as I could to become the best I could possibly be.” 

Bader is on the right track. Last fall, she was the only Islander selected to join the Vancouver Whitecaps FC Girls Elite Academy, an official Canada Soccer National Development Centre.

The program hosts the top women’s prospects from across Canada to attend school, train and play together in Burnaby, B.C.

‘It’s been mind-blowing’

Home for the Christmas holidays, Bader said she feels grateful for the opportunity to play at a high level.

“The stadium — I’ve been inside B.C. Place — I’ve gotten to train on the facility,” she said.

“It’s been mind-blowing, …