The Victoria-born midfielder joined the PFC Youth pathway at just 13 years old and progressed through the Vancouver Island Wave program before earning the opportunity to test himself in one of Europe’s most competitive football environments. His journey is another example of how the Pacific FC Youth pathway helps young players grow as both footballers and people while opening doors to opportunities at higher levels of the game.
Achadinha is excited and proud to be part of a historic Portuguese club whose first team competes in Liga Portugal 2. “I trialed for CD Feirense in the first week of August and was fortunate to sign with the club in the first week of September,” Achadinha said. “CD Feirense has a long history and is a respected professional football club in Portugal. The Junior A teams are highly competitive with a strong player development program.”
The opportunity to play in Portugal came through a unique connection to his family’s roots. “I decided to move to Portugal because of my family connection there,” he explained. “My dad is a Portuguese citizen and I also have Portuguese citizenship, which gave me the opportunity to live in the country.”
This will be a new experience for Maksim, but has been made easier through connection with his father. “As my PFC Youth career was ending, I started thinking about what my next step would be. My dad was already in Portugal, so I decided to move there and start a new experience. A trial was arranged that likely wouldn’t have happened if my dad hadn’t already been there and connected locally. Because of that, the move to Portugal felt like the right opportunity.”
Photo Credit: CD Feirense Photographer
Since joining CD Feirense, Achadinha has experienced a different level of competition and intensity. “The biggest difference is the level of intensity,” he said. “While my teammates are friendly, they play with intensity against one another during training. It’s not uncommon for teammates to pull and even rip each other’s training pinnies.”
In Portugal, much like the competition on matchday, the competition for playing time is fierce. “Every training session is almost as intense as a match. Everyone is fighting for a spot to play in the upcoming weekend’s game. There’s no guarantee you will roster or play minutes, so every week you have to prove yourself.”
The experience has already helped him grow both on and off the pitch. “As a footballer, I’m learning a lot and developing my overall game. It’s a tactically different style with a big focus on attacking and playing on the front foot.” Living abroad has also pushed him to mature quickly. “In the last seven months I’ve become mentally and physically tougher and more independent. I’ve learned life skills like cooking, shopping for groceries, and taking care of everyday responsibilities.”
Photo Credit: CD Feirense Photographer
Achadinha was born and raised in Victoria, British Columbia, where football quickly became a major part of his life. Before joining the PFC Youth pathway, he developed his skills playing with several local teams, including Island Fire Football Association, whom he gives the most credit to for his development.
His decision to join the PFC Youth program (formerly Wave) was also shaped by family. “Both of my older brothers played for Wave, so I knew it was a good pathway to compete at the highest level of football locally.”
His brothers, Mattheus and Marek, both came through the PFC Youth program and are now competing at the U SPORTS level. Mattheus with the UVic Vikes and Marek with the Carleton Ravens. “Wave provides local players with the opportunity to play with and against other skilful, driven players and receive quality coaching. I believe playing Wave can help footballers along the pathway.”
During his time with the 2008 Wave team, Achadinha was part of a strong group that pushed one another to improve while achieving success together. The team captured three Provincial Championships and competed at the 2025 PDP National Championships, experiences that helped shape him as a player. “Being on that team helped me develop into a stronger player. As a team, we supported each other and pushed each other to improve.”
He gives credit to the many coaches within the PFC Youth Program system who played important roles in his development. “I was grateful to have had [many] great coaches: Chris Merriman, Victor Chen, Patrick (Paddy) Nelson, Dorian Tuazon, Jamar Dixon, and Jordan De Graaf. I learned from each and every one of them. I also want to thank the PFC administrative team, including Giuliano Caseiro, for all their hard work in assisting me with the international transfer process. Last but not least, it goes without saying that without the support of my parents, Nomita and Manuel, none of this would have been possible.”
Photo Credit: CD Feirense Photographer
Achadinha’s focus now is on continuing to grow as both a player and a person while embracing the experience of living abroad. “My short-term goal is to continue developing my football skills in Portugal, learn the language, and experience the culture.”
Through hard work, he has already earned significant playing time. “I’ve been fortunate to earn lots of playing time in my preferred position as a midfielder, including scoring a goal in my second game and playing the full 90 minutes in my most recent match.”
Long-term, his ambitions remain clear. “My goal is to play at the highest level possible. I know it will take hard work, sacrifice, and continued discipline.”
Achadinha’s journey from Vancouver Island to Portugal reflects the core mission of the Pacific FC Youth program, creating pathways for young players while developing world-class people and footballers. From grassroots football in Victoria to competing abroad, his story is one the entire PFC Youth community can be proud of.
As he continues his development in Portugal, the Pacific FC Youth family will be cheering him on every step of the way.