Zach Ellis-Hayden retires from football: “I feel like I am part of the Guelph United family“

One of the most important players of the 2023 Guelph United team, defender Zach Ellis-Hayden, has decided to hang up his boots.

Ellis-Hayden has arrived in Guelph after a successful career in which he amassed more than 100 professional appearances in the USL, and 6 international caps for Barbados. He appeared in 15 matches for Guelph United during the 2023 season.

At 31 years of age, Zachary’s decision to retire from football may come as a surprise - but it’s a decision he’s comfortable with.

“I understand the mentality and passion it takes to play at a competitive level. As a player, I began to lose that competitive aspect of my game and I felt it. That’s how I knew it was time for me to begin moving on from playing. I still have a huge passion for the game, that will never leave me. But now I feel there is a calling for me to give back through my experiences, through my knowledge, and help the next generation of players that share a love for this game”.

Although nothing is set in stone at the moment, Zach’s next steps will see him get involved in coaching and player management.

“I am ready to switch my mindset to different aspects of the game, follow the path of coaching. I am motivated to progress on that side, that’s where my focus is. It’s hard to say exactly where I’ll end up, but what’s certain is I want to continue to be involved in football”.

After 4 years playing in the American college system, for Cleveland State University, Ellis-Hayden came back to Canada and played for K-W United, in the USL PDL, and SC Waterloo, in the CSL. Shortly after, he made the move back to the United States, where he played professionally for 6 seasons, in the USL Championship, for Orlando City B, Fresno FC and Oklahoma City Energy, for a total of 136 pro appearances. However, despite his success at the USLC level, an MLS transfer never materialized.

“I have no regrets at all. It was all a learning experience, and it will serve me well in the future”.

What did materialize, in 2023, was something that many players dream about, and few manage to accomplish: representing their country at the international level. After being called up by Barbados in 2022, an injury postponed his debut. But, in 2023, after signing with Guelph United, he got called back by his national team, and made his international debut for Barbados against Cuba, in the CONCACAF Nations League. He followed that up with 5 more appearances in the Nations League, the last one only 11 days ago, against Montserrat - which ended up being his final career match.

“Being called up by Barbados was huge for me, a massive cap to my career. I only wish it happened earlier, but to be able to say I represented a part of my heritage at the international level means a lot”.

After a year with Electric City FC, Zach’s final season saw him play for Guelph United, in a solid League1 Ontario season in which he appeared in 15 matches for our team. How does he feel about retiring as a GUFC player?

“Everyone here has been very kind and welcoming from the beginning, and I feel like I am part of the Guelph United family. Whether Guelph will be part of my future or not, I’m happy to have played here and to retire here”.

So are we, Zach. Congratulations from all of us at Guelph United on a successful career.