Goalkeepers at the Indigenous Games will be seeing double when facing off against Team Alberta. Playing soccer alongside your brother can certainly provide an edge, especially if he happens to be your twin.
Goalkeepers at the Indigenous Games will be seeing double when facing off against Team Alberta.
Playing soccer alongside your brother can certainly provide an edge, especially if he happens to be your twin.
At least that's the case for Bonnyville brothers Dawson and Albert Iverson Houle. Both 14-year-old twin boys have earned the right to represent Alberta in the upcoming North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) in Toronto July 16-23, 2017.
Sports were always a big part of the Houle's lives. Growing up, they would play just about anything they could.
"They play soccer, hockey, basketball, badminton, you name it, they did it," said their mother Colleen Iverson Houle.
Simply loving to be active, the two built a bond between the sidelines most teammates can't understand.
"Playing with my brother is really great, it's hard to explain. It's like with other guys you have to get used to where they're going to be. With Dawson, I just know he's going to be where I need him to be," noted Albert.
That kind of chemistry can only be found over years of playing on the same team.
"I actually quit soccer for a couple years. I used to be a goalie, but I'm more of an attacker," Dawson expressed.
Originally, he wasn't going to try out for the soccer team, opting to aim for lacrosse instead. When his brother was selected for the starting 11, he couldn't resist making the switch.
Albert hopes he can open up opportunities for he and Dawson to use a little bit of their twin telepathy.
"I would like to use my speed to create chances for sure. I'm much more of a playmaker than a goal scorer," Albert said.
They know they'll be going up against tough opponents, but that isn't worrying them. Both said they're happy for the chance to represent their province and their culture regardless of where they finish.
"We've seen some of the competition and it's really good. To get to play for Alberta, and show people my culture, it's such a big honour," expressed Dawson.
When they're not playing, Albert said he hopes to check-out downtown Toronto for a little sightseeing.
"I want to see everything; the stadium, the CN Tower, just everything," he laughed.
Though it's clear what the focus will be for the twins when they touch down in Canada's largest city, they are keeping their eye on the prize.
"To win a medal, of any colour, bronze, silver, or even gold would be amazing. It would be a dream come true," Dawson exclaimed.
