ABOUT DERICK SEQUEIRA
"My parents gave me no secret... Only the habit of working harder. That became my talent."
1988
Derick's Parents fled the "contra war" in Nicaragua to canada
The year is 1988. In Nicaragua, the air is thick with smoke and fear. The ground shakes from distant explosions. Children cry at night because no one knows if tomorrow will come. Soldiers march the streets, neighbors whisper about who disappeared last week, and food is so scarce that families go hungry for days. In the middle of that chaos, my parents make an unthinkable decision: to leave everything behind. Not later. Not when it’s safe. Now.
They grab one briefcase. Inside—barely $100. My dad holds my one-year-old brother, Omar. My mom, pregnant with Marlon, clutches his tiny hand and carries a courage bigger than any suitcase. They don’t speak English. They don’t have a plan. All they know is that if they stay, their children’s future dies before it begins.
So they step onto a plane—the sound of war fading behind them, the unknown waiting ahead. Hours later, the doors open, and they walk into Toronto, Canada. Snow falls from the sky, stinging their faces. The streets are silent, cold, and strange. My parents don’t know where to go. They don’t know how they will survive. But they know one thing: their children will grow up in freedom, not in fear.
That moment is proof that courage isn’t loud. Sometimes it’s quiet. Sometimes it’s a mother boarding a plane pregnant and afraid. Sometimes it’s a father holding his child, stepping into a country where he can’t even speak the language. Real courage is not the absence of fear—it’s love so strong that it moves anyway.
I wasn’t born yet. But 1988 is where my story began. My parents didn’t just escape a war. They built the foundation for everything I am today. When I look back at that year, I don’t just see two immigrants in the cold streets of Toronto. I see heroes. I see love so powerful it crossed oceans, survived war, and rewrote the destiny of a family.
1995
Marlon's (derick's Older brother) first year in organized soccer
It’s 1995 in Toronto. My parents, who only a few years earlier had escaped war with nothing, now sit on the sidelines of a small soccer field. The air is cool, the grass is wet, and for the first time, they watch their six-year-old son, Marlon, lace up cleats that are a size too big.
Marlon was born in 1989, and by 1995, he was ready for his very first season of organized soccer. He was just six years old, running around in a brand-new country, playing a game that would become our family’s lifelong connection. From that year forward, our family wasn’t just living in Canada—we were part of Canada’s soccer story. We saw the local clubs, the coaches, the tournaments, the ups and downs. We lived every piece of how soccer grew here.
That moment matters, because it shows this isn’t new for us. We’ve been part of organized soccer in Toronto since the mid-90s. We’ve seen how players develop, where systems succeed, and where they fail. We know the long road from grassroots to pro—because our family has walked it for decades.
I wasn’t born yet, but by the time I came into the world in 1996, soccer was already in our blood. My parents had brought us from war to safety, and now the game of soccer became the heartbeat of our Canadian story. 1995 was just the first step, but it was the beginning of a journey that still continues today.
1996
Derick Was born & Raised In The Neighbourhood Of Villa Esperanza, Mississauga, ON.
I grew up in Villa Esperanza, a small neighborhood in Mississauga where everyone knew each other’s names. The streets weren’t fancy, but they were alive—kids playing soccer in the park until the sun went down, families looking out for one another, and parents working hard to give their kids a better life.
That’s where I was born and raised. My parents had come to Canada with nothing in 1988, and by the time I arrived in 1996, Villa Esperanza became home. It was the kind of place where you learned to share, to fight for what you wanted, and to dream beyond the block you lived on.
Growing up there taught me something important: greatness doesn’t depend on where you start. You can come from a neighborhood that’s ordinary, but if you put in the work, you can build something extraordinary.
Villa Esperanza wasn’t just where I lived—it shaped who I became. It gave me grit, family, and the fire to chase something bigger. Every step of my story starts from those streets in Mississauga.
2000
Derick's first year of organized soccer (age 4)
I was only four years old, so small my jersey nearly touched my knees. The field looked huge, the ball looked bigger than my legs could carry, and the game felt like magic. That was the first time I stepped into organized soccer.
I played for a local team called Chilelindo. It wasn’t about trophies or pressure back then—it was about joy. The smell of the grass, the cheers from parents on the sidelines, and the simple feeling of chasing the ball with friends. That’s where my love for the game was planted.
Starting at age four taught me something: soccer is not just a sport—it’s a way of growing up. The lessons, the friendships, the discipline… they begin from the very first kick. That’s why I understand what it takes for kids today, because I’ve lived it since the very beginning.
When I look back at those days in Mississauga, I don’t just see a kid in an oversized jersey. I see the start of a journey that shaped my entire life. Chilelindo was more than a team—it was the spark that lit the fire in me to chase soccer at the highest level.
2005
Derick get's cut from his rep team (age 9)
I was nine years old, heart pounding, stomach twisting. I had worked so hard, dreaming of making the rep team, imagining myself scoring goals and showing everyone what I could do. But that day, after trials, the coach called my name—and I wasn’t on the list.
I didn’t make the team. I was cut. At that age, it felt like the world was ending. My parents tried to comfort me, telling me it wasn’t the end, but sitting on the sidelines that day, I felt small, invisible, and defeated.
That moment taught me something powerful: failure doesn’t define you—how you respond does. Being cut hurt, but it lit a fire inside me. I decided then that I would work harder, learn more, and never let rejection stop me.
Looking back now, that day was a gift in disguise. It pushed me to grow stronger, to push past disappointment, and to chase soccer—and life—with everything I had. That cut didn’t break me. It made me.
2005-2009
derick commits to becoming a pro. spends 5-8 hours per day of professional training (age 9-13)
After getting cut at nine, I was crushed. But my older brother, Marlon, had just signed his first pro contract for Toronto Italia Shooters. Instead of letting me sulk, he did something incredible. Every day for the next four years, he trained me. Rain or shine, early mornings, long evenings—he pushed me, corrected me, challenged me, and refused to let me quit.
From ages 9 to 13, I spent 5 to 8 hours a day training like a professional. My brother became my personal coach, designing drills, tracking my progress, and holding me accountable. While other kids were playing casually after school, I was building the foundation for a pro career—footwork, fitness, technique, mindset. Every repetition mattered.
This shows something crucial: talent alone isn’t enough. Commitment and relentless work make the difference. Having someone who believes in you and pushes you—even when it hurts—is how champions are made. Pain and disappointment can either stop you or fuel you; I chose fuel.
By the time I was 13, I wasn’t just a kid who got cut from a team—I was a player transformed. My brother’s guidance, our daily grind, and the sacrifices we made together taught me that dreams are earned, not given. That commitment, started at age nine, set the stage for everything that came next.
2010-2012
scouted and recruited for the provincial program/team ontario (age 14-16)
At 14, Derick’s hard work and relentless training paid off—he was selected to join the Ontario Provincial Program, better known as Team Ontario, a crucial pipeline for Canada’s top talent.
During these years, Derick traveled internationally to Brazil, Italy, and Spain, testing himself against some of the best young players in the world. These experiences not only sharpened his skills but also put him on the radar of national scouts, eventually leading to his recruitment for Team Canada.
Along the way, he trained under the guidance of respected coaches like Ruben Flores and Armandinho—both former professionals who later became scouts and FIFA agents. Their mentorship introduced Derick to the mindset, discipline, and tactical intelligence required at the professional level.
For Derick, this period was more than just competition—it was his first real glimpse into the world of professional soccer, and the moment he knew that his dream of playing at the highest level was no longer just a possibility, but within reach.
2012
the biggest honour: representing 40,000,000 canadians playing for the national team And Qualifying For a World Cup
Imagine standing on the field, wearing the Canadian national team jersey, knowing that 40 million people across the country are watching, believing in you, and cheering you on. It’s more than a game—it’s a responsibility, a privilege, and a dream realized.
After years of relentless training, sacrifices, and traveling the world chasing excellence, Derick reached the highest stage of Canadian soccer: representing his nation on the international field. Every drill, every early morning, every challenge since getting cut at age 9 led to this moment.
This teaches something powerful: dreams that feel impossible are achievable when dedication, discipline, and perseverance guide your actions. The path to representing your country is never easy, but it starts with the small choices to commit, train, and push through setbacks.
Wearing the maple leaf on my chest wasn’t just for me—it was for my family, for my parents who fled war, for my brother who trained me tirelessly, and for every kid dreaming of one day representing something bigger than themselves. That jersey carried the weight of millions and the heart of my entire journey.
1996-2003
BORN & RAISED IN THE STREETS OF VILLA ESPERANZA, MISSISSAUGA, ON.
I was born in 1996 in Mississauga. I grew up in a tough immigrant neighborhood called Villa Esperanza. When I was 4 years old, I played soccer with kids who were 7 or 8 years older than me. They were faster and stronger. The streets were rough. You had to be tough or you got pushed aside. My older brother, Marlon, was 7 years older than me. He was a pro soccer player who played in Italy and Brazil. He didn’t just watch me — he taught me how to work hard and never give up. Playing soccer there wasn’t just a game — it was how I learned to fight, to keep going, and to believe I could make it. Those streets made me who I am today.
World Cup Qualifying Match
3rd Place CONCACAF Championship Match
FIFA World Cup 2013 U.A.E
2013
Road To World Cup: 3rd Place In CONCACAF And Successfully Qualified For World Cup U.A.E
Picture the pressure: representing your country, every pass, every tackle, every decision watched by millions. The stakes are enormous. For me, it wasn’t just a game—it was Canada on the line. Every drop of sweat, every early morning, every sacrifice my family and I had made led to this moment.
During the CONCACAF tournament, our team fought relentlessly, finishing 3rd place—enough to secure a spot at the U.A.E. World Cup. This was historic. Competing against the best in the region, we earned the chance to represent Canada on the world stage.
This journey shows that reaching the highest levels isn’t about luck—it’s about preparation, perseverance, and teamwork. Every small decision you make along the way compounds. Hard work, discipline, and learning from every challenge create opportunities that can change your life.
Qualifying for the World Cup wasn’t just a personal achievement—it was the result of years of dedication, family sacrifices, and belief in something bigger than myself. Wearing the Canadian jersey on that field was more than pride; it was proof that dreams can be realized when you chase them relentlessly.
FIFA World Cup 2013 U.A.E
2013
2013 FIFA World Cup U.A.E
At just 16 years old, Derick stepped onto the biggest stage in world football—representing Canada at the FIFA U-17 World Cup. Competing against the best nations on the planet, he carried the weight of 40 million Canadians with him. The tournament was the culmination of years of sacrifice, 5–8 hours a day of professional training, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. From being cut at 9 years old, to qualifying through CONCACAF, to walking out in the World Cup—it was proof that impossible dreams can be turned into reality.
2012 - 2016
1st Pro Contract At 16 Years Old With Toronto FC
At 16, I signed my first pro contract with Toronto FC. For club. For country. For the city that raised me.
I spent four years in that system — training every day in the same facility as legends like Jermaine Defoe, Michael Bradley, Julio César, and Giovinco. Watching them up close. Learning what real professionalism looked like. That wasn’t just football — it was education.
But the real story goes deeper. In 1988, my parents left Nicaragua with $100 and a briefcase and came to Toronto chasing a better life. No guarantees. No connections. Just courage, sacrifice, and faith.
So when I put on that Toronto FC badge, it wasn’t just a jersey — it was full circle. From immigrant roots to pro athlete, in the best city in the world.
Toronto made me. And I repped it with pride.
2017
Torn MCL, PCL, and Meniscus at 21. Forced Out of Football. Driven Into Entrepreneurship.
At 21, everything changed in an instant. One wrong step, one tackle, and my body betrayed me: a torn MCL, PCL, and meniscus. The doctors were clear—I could no longer play football professionally. Years of blood, sweat, and sacrifice felt like they vanished overnight.
From age 4 to 21, soccer had been my life. The grind, the training, the international travel, and the sacrifices—all of it stopped because of an injury. But losing football didn’t mean losing purpose.
This moment taught me something critical: when one door closes, you have to create another. I poured the same discipline, focus, and resilience I had learned on the field into entrepreneurship. The mindset that made me a pro athlete became the foundation for building businesses, leading teams, and achieving at a high level off the field.
What felt like an ending became a beginning. Soccer taught me how to win, how to lose, and how to push past pain. That injury forced me to reinvent myself, to chase new dreams, and to realize that greatness isn’t just about the field—you carry it wherever you go.
2017-2023
grand opening of luxury automotive paint protection shop in mississauga
The doors opened, the lights shone, and the smell of freshly polished vehicles filled the air. After years of discipline, training, and reinvention, I stepped into a new arena—this time not as an athlete, but as a business owner. Every detail mattered: the finishes, the showroom, the client experience. This wasn’t just a shop—it was a statement.
Located in Mississauga, the shop specialized in luxury automotive paint protection—a high-end service for clients who valued quality, precision, and care. From planning to execution, it was built to reflect excellence and professionalism, offering a premium experience in every detail.
This milestone shows that the mindset of a pro athlete—discipline, attention to detail, and relentless pursuit of perfection—translates directly into entrepreneurship. What you learn in one arena can elevate you in another.
Opening the shop was more than a business launch. It was a testament to resilience, vision, and the drive to create something exceptional from nothing. Just like on the field, every client, every car, and every interaction became an opportunity to deliver excellence.
2023 - Present
Partnered With Forbes #1 Marketer In The World. Commitment To Helping Others 10X Their income, health and life.
After launching my first business, I didn’t stop. I scaled it from the ground up — taking it past $8 million in revenue using the exact strategies I mastered during my recovery.
That journey led me to work alongside the best in the world — including Grant Cardone, Forbes’ #1 ranked marketer and global business leader.
But none of that matters if I’m the only one winning. Now, I’ve made it my mission to help others 10X their income, mindset, and impact — whether they’re athletes, entrepreneurs, or anyone ready to stop playing small. I went from being coached… to coaching others. From chasing goals… to building legacies.
Because the comeback isn’t just about me... it’s about what I can help others do.
SUCCESS STORIES
Detail Driven Niagara
We helped clark add an additional $60,000 in revenue in less than 90 days
Sunset Pro Auto Styling
Omar added an additional $96,000 in revenue in 12 months
TINTED SOLUTION
Sergio added an additional $11,000 in revenue in his first month
DETAILING KNIGHTS
Ryan Added an Additional $5,000 from facebook ads in less than 30 days
AUTO ARTIST
Alessia & Patrick added an additional $20,000 in revenue in less than 60 days
DRIP DETAILING
SAMEEM CLOSED 3 DEALS WORTH $7,500 in his first week of running ads
2025 - Present
Project zero was created to give infinite opportunities to young athletes aspiring to go pro and become High performers
Project Zero was born from a simple but powerful mission to give young athletes the right opportunities to become world-class performers, both on and off the field.
Our goal is to help high performers become the top 1% by delivering proven, elite-level strategies that combine expert on-field training, personalized mentoring, workshops, and mindset coaching.
We believe every talented athlete deserves a shot at their true potential. Project Zero aims to impact millions of players worldwide, empowering them not just to succeed, but to become leaders who pass on these teachings — creating a ripple effect of excellence that can transform communities and lives.
This isn’t just about soccer. It’s about building the next generation of champions in sport, business, and life.
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