Quality Time | Jeevan Badwal and Nicolas Fleuriau Chateau, presented by GE Appliances

In this edition of "Quality Time" presented by GE Appliances, Vancouver Whitecaps FC midfielder Jeevan Badwal and forward Nicolas Fleuriau Chateau share their stories of adjusting to professional football in MLS and MLS NEXT Pro, as well as their excitement on Whitecaps FC 2 qualifying for the MLS NEXT Pro Playoffs for the first time in club history.

"It was a breathtaking feeling, especially as a kid who grew up dreaming of playing for the first team."

At the start of the year, you both joined WFC2 and have since made history with the club; clinching playoffs for the first time in MLS NEXT Pro, going on a club-record winning streak, etc. How does that feel?

Jeevan: It feels amazing, especially as an academy player who got to see WFC2 growing up. The team and staff are incredible and have done so much to earn this spot. The feeling is amazing, and personally, I’m ecstatic for playoffs.

Nicolas: It feels amazing for sure. I’m just very thankful for everything and have enjoyed my time here. I get along well with everyone, which definitely helps in being successful.

How did it feel to sign a contract with the first team?

Jeevan: It was a breathtaking feeling, especially as a kid who grew up dreaming of playing for the first team.

Nicolas: It was an unbelievable feeling. I know not many people knew who I was, even in college, because I only played one full season due to injury. But I remember being very thankful for everything I’ve experienced—the good and the bad—and for the opportunity to prove I belong in MLS.

Do either of you have a favourite moment or favourite goal with WFC2 this season?

Jeevan: I think my favourite moment this season would either be scoring my first goal or going on the winning streak.

Nicolas: That’s tough to say because I love every goal I’ve scored. However, I did enjoy the goal I scored to break the single-season WFC2 goalscoring record, especially since I missed many chances before in that game, but I didn’t give up, and I’m glad I was able to score in the end.

How much has playing week-in, week-out in MLS NEXT Pro helped your development?

Nicolas: It has allowed me to continually improve as a player, learn, and work on my weaknesses. I believe that in order to improve as a player, there’s no better way than to learn through games. Of course, you improve in training too, but NEXT Pro has definitely helped me work on areas that need improvement, as well as refine my strengths as a player.

Jeevan: MLS NEXT Pro has helped me in many ways, especially after coming from MLS NEXT. It’s shown me what it’s like playing against older, faster, and stronger players who have the experience of playing professionally. It’s helped me recognize the difference between professional and academy soccer.

Jeevan, what’s it been like to be with the club for so long and reach the first team level after many years working through the academy teams and the second team?

Jeevan: Being with the club from such a young age has been an honour and I have a lot of respect for the club. Moving through the ranks has been very hard, with many aspects that have pushed me to get to where I am today. The coaches, teammates, friends, and everyone in general who I’ve come up with in the club have been very supportive and challenged me to reach the first team. I’m beyond grateful to be with the club and to have had the opportunity to follow its pathway.

You’re a local product from Surrey, BC. How does it feel to represent the South Asian community at the first team level and have that connection playing for your local club?

Jeevan: Representing the South Asian community is amazing, as it’s such a large community, not only in BC but also in football. Being in the first team shows that the younger generation of South Asians have the ability to get to this level, and hopefully, I can help them get here.

How instrumental have your parents and siblings been in helping you get to where you are now?

Jeevan: My parents and siblings are my biggest supporters, and without them, I definitely wouldn’t be where I am today. Their love, energy, and support have been my biggest assets, as they are like a part of me.

What is the best piece of advice you would give to players coming through the academy?

Jeevan: The best piece of advice I would give to players in the academy is to look past mistakes and never give up. Mistakes happen because we’re all human, but don’t dwell on them. Realize that your mistakes make you better and focus on the next step.

Nicolas, what was it like when you got drafted by the club? What emotions were you feeling as you jumped into a professional setting?

Nicolas: It was a very surreal moment, especially after recovering from an ACL injury. I remember feeling extremely blessed and excited for the next chapter I was about to start. My life changed a lot in the span of a year, so I’m very thankful for all the opportunities that have come my way.

What is the best piece of advice you would give to players getting drafted out of the MLS SuperDraft?

Nicolas: Just enjoy every moment. We’re blessed with the opportunity to make a living off the sport we all love, so take every step of the process as it comes, enjoy it, and be eager to learn and improve.

Do you have a favorite place to go in the city?

Nicolas: It’s such a beautiful city, so there are many spots I love. All the beaches are great, and Squamish is beautiful as well. Eliot [Goldthorp], Buster [Sjöberg], Antoine [Coupland], and I often go to Lynn Canyon after games to recover in the cold water, which has been very nice. It’s really hard to say since there are so many nice spots. The restaurants are also fantastic, especially on Hamilton Street, where Fafa [Picault] and I often go.

Do you have a favorite TV series or movie?

Nicolas: If I had to choose a few, I really enjoyed the TV series Yellowstone, as well as the French movie Intouchables, with Omar Sy.

Jeevan: My favorite TV series is Friends.

What is your favorite genre of music? Favorite artist?

Jeevan: My favorite genre of music is R&B or rap, and my favorite artists would be either 21 Savage or Usher.

Nicolas: I mostly listen to country music and French music, with my favorite artists being GIMS, Cody Johnson, Alan Jackson, and Chris Stapleton. The Eagles are up there as well.

Q: What is your football pet peeve?

Nicolas: Tough question. Not many things really bother me to be honest. But if I had to choose, it would probably be people who act as though they’ve been fatally injured but weren’t even touched.

Jeevan: My pet peeve in football is tucked-in jerseys.