2024 SYSC outdoor registration is now open.
Early bird pricing is available until March 31, 2024
U5 - U8 is $150
U9 - U13+ is $300
Click on the link or log into your SportsEngine account. Don't have one? It is very easy to sign up.
https://saultyouthsoccer.sportngin.com/register/form/210848376
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Good luck to our own Sophia Fata this weekend as she shows her skills at the Provincial Xcel Talent Identification Program. Way to go Sophia! We are all so proud of you.
Thanks to Gordon Anderson @thesaultstar for sitting down with our budding star. www.saultstar.com
Sophia Fata is hoping to display her Xcel-lent soccer talent this weekend.The St Mary’s College student is participating in the Provincial Xcel Talent Identification Program in Toronto.
“I am very excited (for this opportunity),” Fata told the Sault Star. “It is going to be a very good experience for me. I am hoping to do my best there.”
The ID camp is one of several methods where Ontario soccer provides opportunities for top players in the province to develop and advance, this avenue but another stream that accompanies the Ontario Player Development League.
The 15-year-old recently attended a talent ID camp at the University of Alabama in early January. In other words, she’s been diligent with her training, sharp as a tack performance-wise, more than prepared to display her skill set at the striker position.
As on most occasions, preparedness equals self-assuredness.
“I am very confident,” Fata said. “I train at least four to five days a week, so I am getting ready for it.”
Soo United U18 head coach Steve Mazzuca ‘nominated’ Fata for this opportunity.
Because Fata was competing for United last summer, and not playing in the OPDL, Mazzuca had to follow a lengthy application process, essentially telling evaluators they had a talented one in the Sault.
The application process was thorough but done for multiple reasons.
“What makes her stand out is her sheer athleticism, which is by far very unique,” Mazzuca said. “She is exceptionally fast. Technically, she is a mastermind, her cuts on the ball are difficult to defend and her acceleration off the ball is unbelievable. She is dominant with her left foot but kicks equally strong with her right, which is unique for a striker.”
This past summer Fata competed and excelled amongst her contemporaries, some of them three years her senior.
“She is that much of a force on the field amongst the multiple age groups,” Mazzuca said. … “She has always had that ambiance.”
A long-time fan of Argentine legend Leo Messi, Fata is hoping to attend evaluation camps later on this year at the University of Michigan and Michigan State.
“I want to go to a school that is in the U.S.,” Fata said of her long-term goal of playing Division 1 athletics.
“It will only be a matter of time before she signs on the dotted line,” Mazzuca added.
A total of 80 girls are competing in the U16 age-category at the Ontario Soccer Centre in Woodbridge. Approximately 20 players will form the core of the team for future development portals.
“I wish her all the best and I am hopeful she will secure a spot on this provincial team,” Mazzuca said. “… I am hopeful she performs well and produces the results she has been able to produce for our club over the last number of years.”
“I would like to thank my family because they are always supporting me, no matter what,” Fata added. “And I would like to thank my coaches as they help me with my training and help by getting me in shape.”
‘It always draws customers’
In addition to his duties as the U18 head coach, Mazzuca is also the president of the Sault Youth Soccer Association.
The SYSA is working to develop pathways into more elite streams of competition, and having Fata doing just that means it can happen for anybody in the United or Jr. United program, provided the individual has the talent and dedication
Hopefully, this positive story will spurn further interest in playing soccer locally, even if the odds are on the long side.
“The minute you produce something special it always draws customers, if you want to call it that,” Mazzuca said. “The expectation for us to produce a talent of this sorts is exceptionally difficult because of the pool of players we have. We pick 22 to 25 kids for every competitive team (whereas) in Southern Ontario, you’re talking 100-150 for every team.”
Keep migrating over to our new socials
https://www.facebook.com/saultyouthsoccerclub/
https://www.instagram.com/saultyouthsoccerclub/
The SYSC Soccer Club is looking to fill the position of Technical Director. The SYSC Technical Director is responsible for providing both technical and administrative support for the club’s technical programming, including coach development and education, player development and evaluations, tryouts, team training, academies advanced training programs, team formations, clinics, and camps for all SYSC teams. The SYSC Technical Director will act as the chief spokesperson for SYSC on technical development matters, including external liaisons with governing bodies. The SYSC Technical Director will report directly to the SYSC Board.
Send resumes to SYSC.Media.Sponsorships@gmail.com
For more information, please see the list of duties below.
As we get ready to open up the 2024 registration, we are reaching out with our partnership packages. Consider sponsoring a team for as little as $175 (U7 & U8) or $275 (U9 and up).
New this season, you can purchase advertising on nets. Early bird pricing is $399. You will have thousands of eyes for 90 days at Strathclair Fields. Plus, we will have you listed on our website and do an individual special social media post thanking you. Join a great team!
Contact Sam at SYSC.Media.Sponsorships@gmail.com for more information.
If you are looking to reach the Sault Youth Soccer Club via email, please use SYSC.Office@gmail.com or via phone at 705-759-8840.
Office Manager
Dawn Kippax 705-759-8840
SYSC.Manager@gmail.com
We will be transitioning to these new emails after our AGM.
President
Steve Mazzucca 705-255-7750
SYSC.President@gmail.com
Vice President
Joe Carbone 705-759-6753
SYSC.VicePresident@gmail.com
Treasurer
John Trevisan 705-206-0448
SYSC.Treasurer1@gmail.com
Director of Youth
Sara Giroux 705-975-0697
SYSC.Youth@gmail.com
Director of Grassroots
Heidi Kelly 705-971-8510
SYSC.Grassroots@gmail.com
Director of Coaching
Kristin Mooney 780-934-9197
SYSC.Coaching@gmail.com
Director of Equipment
Joe Valente 705-255-0497
SYSC.Equipment@gmail.com
Director of Media and Sponsorships
Sam Cistaro 705-943-3943
SYSC.Media.Sponsorships@gmail.com
Soo City United player Sophia Fata has been accepted for the Provincial Xcel Talent Identification Program. The event will be held on March 2nd and 3rd at the Ontario Soccer Centre in Vaughn, Ontario.
Provincial Xcel team selections take place over the course of a calendar year, where players are identified through the Ontario Player Development League (OPDL), or through Talent on Location Days for players who are not enrolled in the talented pathway.
The Provincial Xcel Program is available to all Ontario Soccer registered players who are eligible to compete at either an U14, U15, U16, or U17 age groups for the
The Ontario Player Development League (OPDL) is the primary venue in which potential Provincial Team Players are detected. There are however, alternative player detection options for those Ontario Soccer registered players who do not compete within the OPDL.
The Provincial Program will focus on player screening, talent identification and benchmarking of players through competition.
The U14, U15, U16 and U17 Provincial Screening Competitions will take place from March and April.
It is at the U15 and U17 Boys and Girls inter-Provincial Competition in May where the Canada Soccer Excel Technical Staff will be present to scout the players for potential invite to Canada Soccer National Excel Environments.
Sophia is currently playing on the Soo City United U18 girls squad.
Congrats Sophia! Show 'em what you got!
After 22 years of dedicated service, Shirley Robertson has retired from the Sault Youth Soccer Club.
Shirley was hired when the club was still known as the Sault Amateur Soccer Association (S.A.S.A). During her career, Shirley has been the voice behind all of the phone calls and has manually registered every player that played soccer in Sault Ste. Marie, ordered jerseys, trophies and organized the end of the year soccer banquets.
“We are going to miss Shirley’s dedication to the sport of soccer in Sault Ste. Marie. She has always been there for us. We are truly going to miss her” said Steve Mazzuca, President of SYSC.
“I remember my first day on the job. Cathy Trevisan said, I want you to file all of these papers. That’s where it all began. Then the phones started ringing and never stopped.” Robertson recalled. “Working with the staff meant a lot to me. Each year the staff would turn over and I enjoyed meeting all of the new faces that would walk in.”
SYSC will be announcing its new Office Manager in the next few weeks.
Shirley, we were blessed to have you on our team and wish you nothing but love during your next chapter.
Thank you to all who have followed and liked us on social media.
Spread the word - let's keep growing together. Our social media posts are the best place to get quick, up to date information. Want to become a sponsor in 2024?
Please reach out to sysc.media.sponsorships@gmail.com
We have team, league and field sponsorships available for this upcoming year. Join the best team in town!
#saultyouthsoccer #saultstemarie #Sponsorship
he MilkUP Ontario Soccer Future Leaders “Class of ‘23” recognizes the achievements and impact of youth in the soccer community. Award winners will embody the Ontario Soccer tagline of “Play. Inspire. Unite.” in both their soccer community and their home community.
This award includes a $500 education credit per recipient to be used for soccer leadership education (any eligible Ontario Soccer Coach Education, Match Official Development courses, etc.)
Nominees will exemplify the Ontario Soccer organizational values of being inclusive, respectful, ethical, acting with integrity, and being a community builder. They will be active community members, with a desire for impact, and a positive attitude for growth. Nominations can be received from the following: • Self-nominated; • A member organization of Ontario Soccer; or • A peer (age 15-18), who is not a relative of the nominee.
Indoor training times and groups for our Algoma University partnered sessions have been posted to our website.
Thank you to all of those who have signed up. All groups are full.
https://www.saultyouthsoccer.com/page/show/8005138-2023-24-algoma-training
SYSC is excited to announce the partnership with Algoma University and remains committed to enhancing development and pathway opportunities in Sault Ste. Marie. To further advance this commitment, starting in September 2024, SYSC will be offering a bursary program in sum of $7500 dollars per year for 5 years to all SYSC players recruited to play soccer at Algoma University or Sault College. SYSC players who graduate from the program will be eligible for a one-time $1500 bursary. Eligibility will be available for up to 5 SYSC players per year. SYSC is currently in the process of finalizing the details of the bursary program. Stay tuned for further updates. #algomauniversity #algomathunderbirds #SaultCollege #saultcollegeathletics #saultyouthsoccer
Important Highlights for 2023/2024!
SYSC has submitted a Special Dispensation form to Great North Soccer Association requesting increased travel for ages U9-U11. SYSC was granted permission to play up to 12 games per season, which equates to 4 tournament participations due to a guaranteed minimum of three games per tournament.
Proposed tournament schedule for U9-U12 – Traverse City – April, Petoskey May, Grand Rapids August, Petoskey or Traverse City September or any other sanctioned tournament.
Teams are permitted to participate in the Northern Michigan Soccer Alliance (NMSA) next spring. Coaching staff are encouraged to seek these opportunities independently and SYSC will assist with administration processes. All teams will seek approval from the Development Program committee regarding league and tournament/festival participation.
House league 2024 for Junior Players – SYSC is committed to providing the proper curriculum to all grassroots players as outlined by Ontario Soccer. According to Ontario soccer standards grassroots players should have a specific ratio of games and practices per week. Currently this is only achieved by having junior united players play in the house league program. Moving forward SYSC will focus on procedures to ensure all junior united players are playing in an appropriate development environment.
Please check out our Junior United Policies on saultyouthsoccer.com. (below)
"So you want to become a referee?” We want you!
2024 Entry-Level and Small-Sided Match Official Clinics are now open for registration. These clinics will continue to be offered in a hybrid format (online theory & in-person practical session).
All the information for clubs and for potential referees can be found at https://www.ontariosoccer.net/referee-clinics
and https://www.ontariosoccer.net/recruitment for further information on what to expect as a new Match Official.
Practical sessions in Sault Ste. Marie are booked for May 11th.
#saultyouthsoccer #soccerreferee #saultstemarie
Please migrate over to our new socials for all the up to date regarding local soccer.
https://www.facebook.com/saultyouthsoccerclub/
https://www.instagram.com/saultyouthsoccerclub/
SYSC is committed to ensuring that all players will be given the best possible opportunity for development and continue to focus on Long Term Player Development as outlined by Ontario Soccer. To be in line with other clubs in the province, SYSC has decided that moving forward all players will be placed in the appropriate development environment based on their skill level.
Effective June 2024, all Junior United teams U8-U12 will sustain one team within each age group. Players will be evaluated and placed in the appropriate development category.
Categories of development are as follows:
1. Pre-competitive - players that participate in league games and tournaments.
2. Development players - players remain in the Junior United program but only play in league games and tournaments when required. Players are utilized as call ups for the pre-competitive group.
3. Grassroots - players will participate in house league only.
Numbers per each age group will be as follows:
U8 - 12 pre-competitive and 6 developmental
U9 - 12 pre-competitive and 6 developmental
U10 - 12 pre-competitive and 6 developmental
U11 - 16 pre-competitive and 6 developmental
U12 - 16 pre-competitive and 6 developmental
Due to each age group having a variety of different skill levels, coaches are permitted to pick more than 6 development players but will only sustain one team for league games and tournaments.
An evaluation process will take place towards the end of the winter program (May) to determine players’ category. All players who are not currently registered must register prior to attending evaluation.
Players selected in the precompetitive and development categories are not required to participate in house league but are permitted if they choose to with no additional expense. Currently, SYSC and its district counterparts are working at developing an indoor league starting in October 2025. One team in each age group will be permitted in the league.
Please note, when completing your registration please check off the Junior United option. Evaluations will take place during the current winter program Junior United timeslots.
Cost for registration is $300 dollars. This includes registration to house league.
You do not have to participate in house league if you choose not to. It is no longer mandatory (changed for this season).
Junior United teams will train 2-3 times per week and participate in league games, friendly matches and tournaments, as outlined in the Junior United Program policies and procedures.
Deadline to register for Junior United is April 13th.
https://saultyouthsoccer.sportngin.com/register/form/210848376
Parents, please follow the guidelines on being a good spectator. This is a time for our children to have fun, learn a new skill and make friends.
Just a reminder to sit on the opposite side of the field from the benches. Let the coaches and volunteers do their jobs without in-game input.
Let's have a fun summer!
Q: Do we play soccer in the rain?
A: Yes. It is up to the referee to cancel a game. This will occur most likely occur when there is lightning in the area. You are not obliged to attend any game if you feel uncomfortable with the weather forecast. Contact your coach to see if enough players are attending.
If there is no referee present, for example U7 age group and younger, then it will be up to the coaches to call it.
Unfortunately, practices and games will not be able to be rescheduled due to the length of the season and field availability.
Please follow us on social media for up to date game cancellations.
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/steve.mazzuca.568/
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/soocityunited/
FAQ:
Q: Do we play soccer in the rain?
A: Yes. It is up to the referee to cancel a game. This will occur mostly when there is lightning in the area. Please follow us on social media for up to date game cancellations. (see below)
Q: Which field will my child play at?
A: U5 – U6 will play at Queen Elizabeth (John Rhodes)
U7 – U18 will play at Strathclair (Second Line)
Q: How long does the season last?
A: The season ends at the end of August.
Q: What equipment will my child require?
A: Your child will be provided a jersey, shorts and socks.
Your child will need soccer cleats, shin guards and a water bottle with their name on it.
Q: I want to follow you on social media.
A: Great idea. Best place to get info instantly.
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/steve.mazzuca.568/
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/soocityunited/
Q: I would like to be a sponsor.
A: Contact Sam (coachsam@shaw.ca)
Parents, caregivers, coaches and all Strathclair Field House users. Please be mindful when using the public washrooms. Players, make sure you let your coaches know when you go to the washrooms and go in pairs and please report anything suspicious. Adults should accompany younger children.
There have been some questions raised to the league recently with regards to Soo Junior United players playing in the house league system.
SYSL follows Ontario Soccer Guidelines and stick to these recommendations for the best interest of the children that participate locally.
Ontario Soccer mandate: Every Grassroots player deserves an enjoyable experience with the game, regardless of the role they play, their age, their level of experience or their ability. An enjoyable experience means that they have access to high quality programs where they can have fun with their friends. Learn new skills and play the game.
Beginning at age 8, players who are looking for more development can join the Junior United program for extra training during the winter and summer months. It is mandated that all players play in the house league system until the U13 age group. Each team gets the same number of Junior United players on a team. If we didn't do this, we would have less teams in each division and limited games for those who train extra all year round. This philosophy makes everyone better. There are some players that perform better than children currently enrolled in the United program. Players who don't currently play on the United teams may be the best player by the time they are teenagers. Everyone develops at a different level.
Junior United Philosophy – SYSC’s responsibility is to ensure that all players in the Junior United program can enjoy soccer in a safe, fun, accessible, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate environment.
Our sport is not like others with multiple levels according to skill level and having to try out to make a team. The house league system allows all to play in a safe environment and if a child wants to pursue soccer at a higher level then they can take that next step at U13. Until then, our league and coaches will bring the same energy to all players, encouraging all along the way.
Please remember that everyone is a volunteer trying to make a positive change because someone did it for them when they were younger. Also, be respectful to our young referees because without them we would not have the ability to play these games.
We are in this together. Play. Inspire. Unite.
Important Announcement - SYSC partners with Algoma University soccer program to enhance development and pathway opportunities in Sault Ste. Marie!
SYSC is pleased to introduce Dave Andreychuk as a new member of the SYSC coaching staff. Dave is the current head coach of the Algoma University men’s soccer team. Andreychuk brings a plethora of experience and credentials. He holds a UEFA B and C license coaching certification (DFB), a GK level 2 license (DFB), as well as the Canada Soccer Association National B License. He also completed his Level 2 Talent ID course with the Scottish Football Association. Andreychuk hails from North Vancouver, where he himself fell in love with the sport as an athlete for the local high performance youth club and the Vancouver Whitecaps Y-League program. Upon graduating from Argyle Secondary, he attended the University of New Brunswick to study Business Administration, where he was also awarded a soccer scholarship. He played three years for the Reds. He then went on to pursue a professional career, which allowed him to travel to Germany, Ukraine, and Norway. He began his coaching career at his former high school and led Argyle to consecutive appearances in the B.C. final. He has six seasons of coaching experience with Mountain United FC where he has coached several of their clubs to provincial titles and appearances at nationals. Andreychuk joined the Capilano University Blues as an assistant, then taking over as their Head Coach two years later, before moving to Algoma University to become the new Head Coach of the Thunderbirds. David also earned an Assistant Coach role with Team Canada U16 Boys Team at the Maccabia Games (July 2022).
With the partnership, SYSC will be offering extra training sessions at the NCC starting in November and at the George Leach Centre (GLC) starting in January.
FREE training sessions at the NCC on Sundays from 9:00 – 10:00 am for Junior United Players, facilitated by Algoma University Men’s Head Coach David Andreychuk and men’s soccer varsity players. Training sessions will commence on Sunday November 26th, 2023, and will be provided to the following age groups for 4 weeks. Max 20 players per group, first come first serve. Please send an email with your child’s full name and DOB to syscsignup@outlook.com
U8 - U10 Girls – November 26, December 3, 10 and 17
U8 - U10 Boys – January 7, 14, 21 and 28
U11 - U12 Girls – February 4, 11, 25 and March 3
U11 - U12 Boys – March 17, 24, April 7 and April 14
Also, a 16-week training session for all SYSC players ages U13-U18 at the NCC on Monday’s from 5:00 – 6:00 pm starting November 27th. Sessions will be facilitated by Algoma University’s Men’s Head Coach, Dave Andreychuk and men’s soccer varsity players. A maximum of 20 players will be accepted, first come first serve. Please send an email with your child’s name and DOB to syscsignup@outlook.com.
A cost of $250 will be charged for this training. Cheque, cash and e-transfer will be accepted once training starts.
Training sessions dates (16 sessions):
November 27
December 4, 11, 18
January 8, 15, 22, 29
February 5, 12, 26
March 4, 18, 25
April 8, 15
SYSC remains committed to offering elite soccer programming in Sault Ste. Marie and the partnership with Algoma University brings us one step closer to achieving our goal! Stay tuned, there is more to come!
Due to the influx of registrations in the Junior United Program the schedule has changed. Please be advised that NCC time during the winter is quite restricted due to high demand. Teams are grouped accordingly to allow friendly matches amongst teams, utilizing both turfs (curtain up). This will allow teams to play games simulating proper outdoor field sizes. Please note SYSC will attempt to book extra time on Sunday if numbers in each age group continue to grow, and two turfs are required for that group. Training will commence November 4th, 2023.
No training Christmas break (Dec 25 – January 5), Family Day – February 19th, March Break (March 11-15) Easter Weekend (April 1), Last week before May long weekend
Start November 4th – May 12th.
Saturdays 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
U8 Girls (2016) – 8:30 am – 10:00 am - Turf 1
U9 Girls (2015) - 8:30 am - 10:00 am - Turf 2
U8 Boys (2016) – 10:00 am – 11:30 am – Turf 1
U9 Boys (2015) - 10:00 am - 11:30 am - Turf 2
U11 Boys (2013) - 11:30 am- 1:00 pm - Turf 1 and 2
U10 Girls (2014) – 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm Turf 1
U11 Girls (2013) – 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm Turf 2
U12 Girls (2012) – 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm Turf 1
U10 Boys (2014) - 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm Turf 2
U12 Boys (2012) – 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm Turf 1 and 2
Mondays 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
U10 Girls (2014) - 5:00 – 6:00 pm – Turf 1
Wednesday IPDL (5:00pm -9:00 pm) – 8 hours
U13 Girls vs U14 Girls – 5:00 – 6:00 pm Turf 1 and 2
U14 Boys vs U15 Boys- 6:00 – 7:00 pm Turf 1 and 2
U15 Girls vs U16 Girls – 7:00 – 8:00 pm Turf 1 and 2
U18 Girls vs U17 Boys - 8:00 – 9:00 pm Turf 1 and Turf 2
Fridays 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
U11 Girls (2013) - 7:00 – 8:00 pm Turf 2 – (no training Jan 5th, February 23rd, and March 29th)
Sundays 8:30 am -5:30 pm
Turf 2 – 8:30 am – 10:00 am – Soo City and Junior United Goalie Clinic
U9 Girls – 10:00 – 11:30 am Turf 1
U14 Girls – 10:00 – 11:30 am Turf 2
U15 Boys – 11:30 – 1:00 pm Turf 1
U14 Boys – 11:30 – 1:00 pm Turf 2
U15 Girls – 1:00 – 2:30 pm Turf 1
U18 Girls – 1:00 – 2:30 pm Turf 2
U17 Boys – 2:30 - 4:00 pm Turf 1
U16 Girls – 2:30 – 4:00 pm Turf 2
U12 Girls – 4:00 – 5:00 pm Turf 1
U13 Girls – 4:00 – 5:30 pm Turf 2