Kamal Hylton: Tell me a little about yourself?
Roy Blanche: I grew up in Etobicoke. I've been playing soccer/futsal since I was 4 years old with several teams like North West Azzurri, Willowdale, Hearts, North Mississauga and Woodbrigde Azzurri but primarily played for Club Uruguay my whole life. I've had trials with Club Nacional (Uruguay) and Columbus Crew (MLS) as well as played for every Brampton team that has ever played in the CSL, Brampton Hitmen ( 2003 CPSL Champs) Brampton Stallions, Brampton Lions and now Brampton City United F.C. I also played 2 seasons with Toronto Croatia (2007 CSL Champs)
Kamal Hylton: How did the deal (with Qtel) come about?
Roy Blanche: This Qatar opportunity came about thanks to my ex-national team and futsal club coach Rubio Guerra who was the Qatar national team coach but is now currently coaching in Kuwait.
Kamal Hylton: What are your expectations?
Roy Blanche: My expectations are to give 100% each and every day, learn as much as I can where ever I go and let god decide my fate.
Kamal Hylton: How do you feel about playing in such a different atmosphere?
Roy Blanche: This is a great opportunity that has been presented to me and I've been blessed to have this chance to learn how the game is played on this side of the world while also learning more about this culture. This will only better me as both a player and a person.
Kamal Hylton: How would you say Brampton City United helped you?
Roy Blanche: Brampton City United has helped me in various ways, starting from the top with Mike DiMatteo and Joe Leal, they are not only great owners but also great people and have supported and pushed me to accept this opportunity. They created a real family environment within the club, something that I have never experience with any other team in this league and for that I’m forever grateful.
Armando Costa, what can I say, a prime example of what a professional coach should be. The amount of things that I've learned from him on and off the field has been quite the experience. He knows how to bring out the best in a player and a person. He has definitely been a mentor on and off the field.
My partners on the field are more than just my teammates they are my brothers. They are a very classy and talented group of guys and every day I'm learning something new from every one of them. The environment they create on the pitch and in the change room is something that I will never forget. They are more then just guys I play soccer with, they are true friends and we try to spend as much time as possible together off the pitch. They are my homies to say the least.
Last but not least Pat and Mike Montalto, Wow those two are something else. The greatest managers in the world, they are two world-class people who I will never be able to repay for what they have done not only for me but the entire team. My hat goes off to them for the effort they put day in and day out, Mike is a prime example of a true soldier and why you should never take any day for granted. Since I've been in Qatar they have been in contact with me, steadily trying to make my stay away from home as comfortable as possible and it means a lot to me. My family indeed.
Kamal Hylton: Is there anything else you would like to add?
Roy Blanche: I want to give a special thanks to my girlfriend Veronica, who has stood by me and supported me in everything that has got to do with soccer and futsal in my life. She is hands down my number one fan.
Roy is currently playing Futsal for Qtel in the Qtel Cup in Doha, Qatar, his first two matches are Saturday and Monday at 9:30PM at the Aspire Center. Provided he’s not too busy he has informed me that he could send an update on the matches as well as some pictures, if provided those could be seen on our Facebook Fan Page.
