NEW FACES ADDED

Luka is missing from the photo due to injury.

There is a buzz of excitement flying around the new look team.

Creativity is a process, not an immediate result. In 1666, one of the most influential scientists in history was strolling through a garden when he was struck with a flash of creative brilliance that would change the world (Newton's memoir).

As we embark on a new season of soccer which gets going this weekend in the Durham Futsal Cup. In driving and using a GPS one has to input where they are coming from before inputting where they are trying to reach. So I will begin from the end of last season.

There were changes to the roster as three players unfortunately were not given a contract to remain with the team or for personal reasons decided to move on. Therefore fifteen players remaining from the old roster. From these fifteen boys there are notable personal achievements such as:  Five played in the Donone final in Montreal and three went on to the world tournament in USA. Three boys selected to attend training in Southampton England for two it's their second opportunity. Then we had eleven players selected for the provincial screening with five moving on to the next round.  Four boys also invited to TFC for training with their academy. These are the caliber of players left in the fifteen.

The hope and expectations rest upon these young shoulders to go as far as possible while benefiting from extra training, experience and exposure. Boys, believe wholeheartedly in your talents and skills. Don't deny yourselves the opportunity to shine.

It would only be fair in saying that last season was successful, ending with a record of 18-1-1 in OPDL games played. Plus winning the Ontario Futsal Cup to go along with the Umbro Trophy. Furthermore, reaching finals and semifinals in USA tournaments.

With three player spot available the coaches have already selected two players in Damiano outstanding player with lightning speed from the Woodbridge Rep Team and Jon Michael from TFC Academy. With one spot left to fill it's a mystery as to who will get that place from the number of  players still trying out.

Then there was the panic that threatened dismantling of the Woodbridge Strikers OPDL 05 Boys when news was noised that coach Chris was no longer the Head coach. However, after both formal and casual meeting in verbal and written communication to everyone concerned it resulted in a better understanding of the situation. Harmony restored.

Coach Julian was now officially accepted and acknowledge as the Head  Coach with coach Joe permanent assistant while coach Chris will still assist based  upon his availability. Coach Julian come to us with notoriety having played the sport professionally in Europe namely Italy. He is certified in coaching at this age level as he holds the required certification. I did my due diligence and asked around because its not just about soccer, what life lessons will be instill into our boys from him. I have been informed that he demonstrated confidence, perseverance with a winning attitude in his early years within the Woodbridge soccer fraternity. From observations I have noticed discipline, team concepts, supporting and a willingness to listen all great  traits that hopefully will be copied by the boys.

As stated in my first paragraph, creativity is a process, not an immediate result. This process of creativity began with coach Chris and coach Mike...coach Robert, coach Fabio...then coach Chris and coach Joe. Now it's coach Julian and coach Joe and with occasional assistant from coach Chris. The development of our boys will continue improving and if what I am seeing in training is any indication of what's to come they will receive individual and team achievements in less time than the greatest scientist (personal opinion).

What most people forget, however, is that Newton worked on his ideas about gravity for nearly twenty years until, in 1687, he published his groundbreaking book, The Principia (Newton's memoir). So too for our boys it will take time to accomplish the desired results.

I have always believed that this group of boys have the potential of creating history with the right leadership not just in soccer but also in their personal lives within their different communities. Therefore, I encourage everyone, parents, grandparents and family friends to support the process by giving it time to formulate into effectiveness.

As stated by the Head coach Julian that fairness is a traditional trademark in his repertoire and the team is selected based upon performance in training where commitment plays a vital role (para phase in own words).

In conclusion, allow me to remind ourselves as parents and guardians alike that as Maslow's Hierarchy of needs change so too will the needs of our boys shift with age. Girls somewhere along the lines will become a factor plus new interest might distract their focus.  However, for now all they need is for us to transport them to and from practices/games and give moral support.

My best wishes bestowed to the coaching staff and management team for whatsoever the outcome at season end will  most likely be a reflection of their individual perspective, dedication and passion being transferred unintended or intended to the Woodbridge Strikers OPDL 05 Boys.

Let us all support our Boys... Not Child...Boys on the team. Whatsoever fear or doubt that might have existed let us terminate it and watch "History being created," by this group of quiet boys (when they are with parent and verbally loud when playing video games with teammates except on the field).

NB. The opinion stated in this article is entirely personal information except for the quotes that are credited to sources.

⚽ 聾