Game Afterthoughts

If we're all truthful and outspoken enough, then we can agree that the information being circulated as it pertains to the OPDL only benefits some people.  Dissecting and analyzing of what was truth and myth has proven to be more difficult without documented fact from someone directly related to said organization. So after careful consideration, the most reasonable course of action was taken and I contacted the manager of Ontario Soccer Association as to how truth verses myth could be separated. Robyn McMomb's conversation lead me in the direction of Mr. Bryan Rosenfeld, Senior Manager of high performance OSA, who further connected me with Ben Rycroft, Media and Communications Manager. The contents of this blog will be directly quoted from the email exchange, as well as my personal interpretation of a phone conversation. Some of the concerns that were addressed:  - Coaching in high schools - Conditions of fields  - Officiating by referees  - The reasoning behin...

It's with huge fan fare that we acknowledge coach Joe into the prestigious rank of coaches as a licensed "C" coach on our OPDL U13 Woodbridge Strikers bench officially. Going forward there is no doubt that his skills in tactics and technical prowess will definitely benefit the boys greatly. We as a group can only appreciate the sacrifices and dedication it took for him to achieve this. With the collaboration of coaches credentials plus coach Robert's insight at times the expectations for the team just escalated immensely. CONGRATULATIONS ⚽聾 COMING SOON !! Conversation with Bryan Rosenfeld

Both Tayvin and Cristian used words such as exciting, different, enjoyed it, and loved it, to describe their trip to Southampton. 

Brian is photographed in the above photo His excitement was hard to detect behind the humility and shyness of his personality. It took some convincing for Brian, Cristian's dad, to agree on doing a written article from a parent's view point. He was asked specifically to share from a parent's experience coming from a family that possesses a rich history in the sport. According to Brian, "Cristian's selection to travel to Southampton (UK) was a privilege to say the least. In addition to our regular Club training, Cristian attended additional goalkeeper training prior to departure, not knowing the level and caliber we were walking into. From the onset, Elite Tournaments who organized the event had a jammed pack itinerary set for the boys. Their day started with an early morning breakfast and off to training they went. They trained on and off the field following the exact schedule as the Southampton's first team. They had to be both physically and menta...

Everyone was in total disbelief when Chris went down in pain. He had looked in every aspect of his normal self as the"Ace defender" we all know him to be. It's in that regard I ask all parents whatever you religion to pray for Chris and family at this time. When one hurt...the entire Woodbridge Strikers OPDL U13 family feel the pain. I pray God's blessings and healings upon Chris .🙏🙏

Not what I had planned to write about...it should have been the boys' performance in both practice games. No matter how advanced we are in technology, mother nature seems to disrupt man's best plans at times. Assuming that most parents were looking forward to a 11V11 game of soccer to formulate their own opinion as to how the boys are progressing. So sorry we have to wait a while for that to materialize. On a point of interest, the outpouring of support for Tayshaun B. from the parent group speaks volumes of our concern and affection towards each other. I am moved by such show of emotional display. .⚽🥅🙏

Speaking with Mr. Hall in a one on one conversation about his experience traveling to the UK where his son, Tayvin Hall, was scouted to attend the Southampton FC training camp.  My questions to him was directly related to him from the perspective of a coach, he himself being a football coach. There was a lot of insightful information shared by Mr. Hall. He spoke eloquently about the high standard of playing surfaces and state of the art gears, for example protected vest...which uses a device to monitor athletes. He further mentioned video sessions as a key component of togetherness. I then posed the question, are they better than us? Mr. Hall's direct response: #1 I  would continue to implement what the coaches are doing now, instilling the importance of being respectful, demonstrate good sportsmanship at all times, be on time for practices and games, know your positions/responsibilities on and off the field, always work together as a team, be discipl...

It was very thoughtful of Ania, the manager of our U13 Woodbridge Strikers soccer team to have the boys attend practice in their favourite jersey in recognition and support of the Humboldt Broncos hockey team. A fitting tribute and I am super proud of our boys for coming together and showing their support. Humboldt Strong 🏒💐 ... You're all in our thoughts!

It was great seeing our goalie (Cristian) and central defender (Tayvin) back today, after what I'm sure was a hectic week at the Southampton training camp. Stay tuned for the one on one interview  of their experiences.

Touching ceremony I just saw on SN1 for those who lost their lives tragically on route to a hockey game. As fellow sport parents we all share in such terrible grief.  Our thoughts and prayers are with the community. 🙏

It was awesome seeing Jordan at practice today going through the drills. Still awaiting Chris' recovery. The team's best regards are with you.

Factors to consider: 1. Type of formation 2. Players playing in their best position 3. Tactics by coaching staff 4. Confidence of team 5. Level of individual players fitness

The indoor portion was completed on April 3rd, 2018 for those who found it necessary and beneficial to participate. The instructors last session was carried out in a 5 a side tournament. It was done in an instructional manner. Overall, a huge benefit for those who attended.

Woodbridge Strikers had entered into a number of tournaments. Just to name a few: Southampton Cup and Jefferson Cup which are premiere soccer tournaments in the USA. In both tournaments the team reached the final only to succumb to close defeat. Furthermore, Woodbridge Strikers U13 OPDL team holds the number one ranking in Ontario and nationally. They are currently ranked 153 globally according to GotSoccer Team Rankings , please see attached link.

UOIT, Oshawa

As we look forward to the start of the OPDL 2018 season, I decided to analyze the strength of the Woodbridge Strikers U13 team roaster. The Roaster The roaster consists of five players who played in the Donone Canadian final held in Montreal with three of those five going on to play in the world competition held in New York September 2017. Also, two players that got scouted by Southampton FC of England, and got the privilege of attending training in the UK. Plus players who had the luxury of playing a year up with older boys. Coach Chris and coach Joe must be very confident going into the season with such an experienced group of boys. Opinions written on this site will be unbiased, and purely for the love of soccer. - Presley Paul Francis