The past year presented new challenges for every footballer and for Marcello Polisi, it was no different. After not playing competitively in 2020 because of the pandemic, the midfielder from Coquitlam, British Columbia had to train hard on his own, making sure he was fit and ready for whatever came next.
“It’s definitely been an interesting year, I would say for everyone, and especially for someone who doesn’t have a club to train with,” said Marcello Polisi.
That all changed in June when the HFX Wanderers came calling. After signing with the club on June 11, he had to wait a couple more weeks to meet his new teammates when he joined the team in Winnipeg for The Kickoff to start the 2021 Canadian Premier League season.
“It was nice to start feeling part of the team, to meet everyone. It’s a really great group of guys,” said Polisi after his first couple hours with his Wanderers teammates, in person.
What the HFX Wanderers have done on and off the pitch in the first two seasons grabbed the attention of Polisi, including an unforgettable trip to the Island Games final in September.
“Last year they obviously did really well. Just coming to a team that’s wanting to win and wanting to succeed is a big thing,” the 24-year-old Polisi said. “The club as a whole is very organized in itself. The players are very welcoming, which makes it even easier for me to transition into this team.”
The Wanderers caught the attention of Polisi, while his performances in his last couple seasons at Simon Fraser University also caught head coach and general manager Stephen Hart’s watchful eye. The two of them have kept in touch over the last couple years so it’s a natural fit the two get to work together under the same club crest.
“He brings something different to the midfield. And it’s going to be just a little matter of time for him to get to know his teammates and fit in,” said Stephen Hart from Winnipeg. “But he’s a traditional sort of holding midfielder that could give us a little bit more balance in the midfield and a different look should it be necessary.”
From packed stands in the inaugural season to the socially distanced watch parties on the Wanderers Grounds during the Island Games, Polisi says the fanbase of the Wanderers was a factor in him putting pen to paper. He’s only heard positive things about the fans and the Wanderers community, and playing in front of them eventually gives him extra motivation.
“Yeah that’s the most exciting part to be honest. Always as a professional you dream of playing in front of fans, in front of people, having that rush of adrenaline, the fans cheering you on,” said Polisi, who is eager to make his first ever trip to Nova Scotia.
“The fans are always loud and the environment at the stadium – it looks fantastic. I’m really looking forward to hopefully getting back home in Halifax and playing in front of the fans.”
The Journey to The Wanderers
While his time with the Wanderers during The Kickoff starts his professional career, Polisi is no stranger to the professional environment. The midfielder, now 24, spent his youth in developmental programs with Vancouver Whitecaps FC. With both the Whitecaps FC Prospects and Residency teams, Polisi demonstrated leadership by being named captain of multiple teams from U-11 right up to U-18.
“That’s when I realized the professional level is attainable for myself and the Whitecaps helped me get there,” Polisi said. “I would say just being around that for years and years really has helped me become a better player and grow in the professional environment.”
The midfielder then selected Canada’s lone NCAA team for the next step in his career, signing with Simon Fraser University. While playing university football, Polisi started in all 49 matches he appeared in and was named the Great Northwest Athletic Conference Player of the Year in 2017 and was an NCAA Division II All-American as a freshman. All three seasons spent with SFU resulted in being selected to the GNAC All-Conference First Team.
“Through the university experience I learned a lot. The SFU coaching staff taught me a lot about being a professional,” said Polisi, who scored six goals and added seven assists in his collegiate career.
This included SFU assistant coach Kevin Harmse, a former Canadian Men’s National Team player and someone who played pro for 12 years including time with LA Galaxy, Whitecaps FC, and professional seasons in Norway and Slovakia.
“He was always someone that I’ve talked to about what it takes to be to the next level both on the field and off the field, the mentality of things. So just in that aspect, they definitely helped me grow, not only as a footballer but as a person as well, which I’m very thankful for,” Polisi says of his SFU coaches.
Another SFU player also signed on with a Canadian Premier League side this season with Marcello’s brother, Matteo, joining Pacific FC in February. While Marcello is known for his defensive capabilities in the midfield, the 23-year-old Matteo had 36 goals in 52 games.
“We always banter about playing against each other. It’ll be fun to play against him,” says the older of the Polisi brothers.
As for what Wanderers supporters can expect from Polisi on the pitch in his first year as a professional?
“I’m definitely giving every single ounce of myself to the club. Working hard. Making sure that my mentality is right and that I’m always going to work as hard as I can for the club and do whatever I can for the team to get the wins,” Polisi said.
Proudly presented by
Just like you, we’re Canadian owned and operated. Supporting local companies in all things payroll to HR – so we just get it, eh?
2021 Season Ticket Memberships are available online. Members will receive additional benefits in 2021 including 50% off a jersey for every season seat purchased, 20% off the Wanderers Fan Shop and more!