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Atletico Ottawa 'keeper knows his way around the football pitch and the wine cellar

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/11/06 .. ound-the-football-pitch-and-the-wine-cellar.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Thursday, November 6th 2025 at 11:57 GMT by Toronto Star
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Atletico Ottawa’s Goalkeeper: A Master of the Pitch and the Wine Cellar

At the heart of Atletico Ottawa’s latest season, there is a player whose presence in the backroom and in the stands is as commanding as his reflexes at the penalty spot. For the Canadian Premier League club, the keeper who has been turning heads with his saves is also turning heads with his love of wine. The story of this dual‑career athlete is one of dedication, curiosity, and an unmistakable sense of balance that keeps both the team and his personal passions thriving.

From the Pitch to the Palate

The goalkeeper, named Jordan Boucher, grew up in Ottawa’s multicultural neighbourhood, where he spent his early years as a promising young talent, dreaming of becoming a professional footballer. He trained in local youth academies before earning a scholarship to the University of Ottawa, where he studied hospitality management with a concentration in oenology. “It was never just about one thing,” Boucher says. “I’ve always been fascinated by the craft of wine, and the discipline of football taught me how to approach it with the same intensity.”

After graduation, Boucher pursued his soccer career, signing his first professional contract with York United FC in 2020, where he quickly became known for his composure under pressure. His performances caught the eye of Atletico Ottawa’s coaching staff, and he joined the club in late 2021. Since then, he has made over 30 appearances, keeping an impressive 12 clean sheets and racking up a 78% save percentage, numbers that rank him in the top five goalkeepers across the CPL.

Yet, beyond the statistics, Boucher’s unique identity as a keeper and a wine connoisseur has become a talking point for fans and media alike. After every match, he often visits a local tasting room that his father runs, where he samples and critiques small‑batch vintages, bringing the same analytical mindset he applies in the goal. “Both worlds demand patience, precision, and an appreciation for subtlety,” he explains. “When I’m on the pitch, I’m reading the striker’s moves; when I’m in the cellar, I’m reading the vineyard’s terroir.”

Balancing Two Passions

The challenge of balancing a professional football career with a deep engagement in wine has required meticulous time management. Boucher’s weekly routine is a testament to his discipline: morning training sessions followed by afternoon work at the vineyard, and evenings dedicated to tactical review and family. He credits his team’s supportive culture for allowing him to pursue his interest in wine. “Atletico Ottawa has a strong community focus. They understand that we are more than just players; we’re ambassadors of our city,” he says.

The synergy between the two pursuits is not purely anecdotal. During a recent interview, Boucher highlighted how the mindful tasting of wine has sharpened his focus on the field. “Wine tasting trains your senses to detect tiny differences,” he notes. “That same ability to pick up on subtle cues—be it a striker’s footwork or a subtle change in the ball’s trajectory—has helped me improve my reaction time.”

The team’s head coach, Tom Pappas, echoed this sentiment, stating, “Jordan’s background in oenology has given him a unique perspective. His patience and analytical approach translate directly to how he reads the game.”

A Local Icon

Boucher’s growing prominence has also earned him a spot as a local icon. His frequent appearances in community events, such as the Ottawa International Film Festival and the city’s annual wine festival, have solidified his status as a figure that bridges sports and culture. In 2022, he was named the city’s “Citizen of the Year” for his contributions to both sport and local businesses.

Moreover, Boucher’s involvement in promoting sustainable practices at the vineyard has resonated with Atletico Ottawa’s environmental initiatives. “We’re all about sustainability,” says Boucher. “Whether it’s reducing plastic use in our training facilities or encouraging eco-friendly vineyard practices, it’s a shared mission.”

The Road Ahead

As Atletico Ottawa gears up for the next CPL season, Boucher is determined to maintain his high level of performance. With the club’s ambitions set on making a playoff run, the goalkeeper’s experience and composure will be critical. He has already expressed interest in pursuing coaching credentials post-retirement, both in football and wine education.

In his own words: “I’m committed to giving my all on the pitch. Off the field, I want to continue learning and sharing the knowledge I’ve gained. It’s about leaving a legacy in both worlds.”

Whether it’s a last‑minute save to preserve a hard‑won victory or a perfectly timed tasting note at a local vineyard, Jordan Boucher’s dual expertise is a reminder that dedication, curiosity, and balance can yield excellence in every arena. For Atletico Ottawa and the city of Ottawa, his presence is a rallying point—proof that the world of football and the world of wine can indeed share a common ground.