Kingsley Belele balances books, soccer and big dreams as Varsity Blues host nationals
As the Toronto Varsity Blues prepare to host the 2025 U SPORTS Men’s Soccer Championship, forward Kingsley Belele is trying to enjoy every moment of his final, fifth season while managing to stay positive in what he says is the busiest schedule of his life.
“I’m a very outgoing person,” said Belele.
“I like to joke around with the team, but when it’s time to be serious, I’m serious. Outside of soccer, I’d say I’m hardworking. People call me charismatic. I just try to learn new things and enjoy every day.”
The Scarborough native’s soccer journey began in Grade 1 with the East York Soccer Club. From there, he bounced through several Toronto-area programs — Wexford, North Toronto SC and eventually Woodbridge SC, the club that pushed him toward the university level.
“Woodbridge was pretty far from me, so it was a big commitment for my parents and friends,” he said.
“But they were serious about developing us as players and students. That’s the reason I got to U of T, they made sure we took school just as seriously as soccer.”
Like many kids, Belele once dreamed of playing soccer professionally. But by high school he realized that education could open just as many doors.
“When I saw the opportunity at the University of Toronto, one of the biggest schools in the world, I said, ‘OK, this is a great opportunity, and I’ll take it.’”
Belele completed his undergraduate degree in human geography, a field he discovered almost by chance.
“I didn’t really know what I wanted to take at first,” he said.
“Human geography is about how people move within cities and how that ties into urban planning. I found it cool.”
His interest in teaching came later, after coaching young players on the side.
“I did a lot of individual training with kids and thought, why not become a teacher? I applied to the Master of Teaching program at U of T and here I am.”
The leap from undergraduate life to graduate school has been significant.
“It’s a lot more work,” Belele said.
“You’re dealing with presentations and group projects. They’re preparing you to be a teacher, so you’re busy all the time. But I enjoy it.”
That workload sits alongside a full soccer calendar. Classes run from nine to four, while team training often starts at nine in the morning.
“It’s a weird balance,” he said.
“At first it was hard, but it’s a good challenge. I’m learning how to schedule and manage my time.”
His approach is methodical: “When I get work, I do it right away. If something’s due next week, I don’t procrastinate. That’s what I did in undergrad, and I learned from it.”
That discipline paid off in a storybook finish to their season at the conference championship. The Varsity Blues captured their first OUA title since 2010 with a 2-0 extra-time victory over the York Lions on Nov. 1 at Varsity Stadium. The win marked the 51st provincial crown in program history, dating back to 1904, and secured Toronto’s place as the OUA’s top seed heading into nationals.
In the 107th minute, fourth-year midfielder Michel Osorio slipped a perfect through ball to Belele, who slotted his own rebound past Lions goalkeeper Michael Williams for the decisive goal. The Blues finished the year 10-1-1 in the regular season and 3-0 in the playoffs.
Toronto, the number 1 seed, is hosting the 2025 U SPORTS Men’s Soccer Championship from November 6-9 at Varsity Stadium, giving Belele a chance to cap his university career on the biggest stage.
“I’m sad it’s my last year, but happy we’re hosting,” he said.
“To end it off at home is kind of fun. We’ve got the right group, the right coaches and the right players. It’s going to be a good challenge.”
Having family and friends in the stands will make the experience even more special.
“All my friends and family are around, so you know they’re going to come watch,” he said.
“People at school will hear about it. It’s going to be very, very fun.”
Belele has seen the team culture evolve during his five seasons in blue and white.
“There are a lot of different personalities, but we all gel well together,” he said.
“We take everything 100 per cent and do it for each other. It’s all toward one goal.”
Belele says he sees himself as a leader for younger teammates.
“I try to lead the younger guys in the front line, show them the team aspects I’ve learned,” he said.
“Sports help you develop leadership. You’re always around a group of people, it’s similar to teaching, where you’re in front of a class or working with colleagues.”
Between graduate studies, soccer and part-time work, his schedule leaves little room to breathe.
“It’s hectic,” he admitted, laughing. “But I enjoy it.”
Mental health has become a team priority. The Blues recently began group meditation sessions led by their coaching staff.
“Our coach has us meditate before practice,” said Belele.
“He knows we have school and training every day, so it’s about calming down and controlling your thoughts. It really helps. When you’re stressed, you just breathe in and out, and you feel better.”
The lessons translate beyond sport.
“If it’s not in my control, I don’t stress over it,” he said.
“I just do what’s in my hands and leave the rest up to the world.”
That mindset, he added, shapes his outlook on life.
“We’ve learned through meditation not to think about the past, it’s already happened, and not to think about the future because it hasn’t. Focus on what’s in front of you. If you do that, you’ll be fine.”
After four years representing U of T, Belele says he doesn’t take the experience for granted.
“A lot of players in the city would love to play here,” he said.
“We appreciate it every day. It’s a great opportunity, for exposure, for growth, for everything. I’m very thankful.”
Belele says his biggest advice to younger student-athletes is to work hard and stay balanced.
“You can’t play if you don’t have good grades, and you won’t get in without them,” he said.
“Manage school and soccer, and work hard on both. That’s the main thing if you want to be a top university athlete.”
For Belele, success comes down to presence and perseverance.
“Just focus on the moment,” he said.
“Take things day by day. That’s how I live — and that’s how I play.”