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. 

Due to the growing demand to provide pathway opportunities and increased development for SYSC coaches and players, SYSC is pleased to announce the appointment of Connor-Cowan Thompson as SYSC’s new Technical Director.

SYSC would like to sincerely thank Giuseppe Politi for fulfilling this role over the past three years. Giuseppe travelled from Sudbury 2-3 times per year but with growing expectations for player development and pathway opportunities, SYSC has decided to acquire a TD who will be on the pitch with coaches and players on a regular basis. Giuseppe will continue to play an integral role with the club for Ontario Soccer Coaching certifications.

Connor is from Manchester, England and currently resides in Sault Ste. Marie. He is the assistant coach to the Algoma University men’s soccer team. Connor will provide leadership, guidance, and mentor-ship to all SYSC coaches and players. He will play an active role with player identification and pathway opportunities. Elite training camps for identified players will be implemented as a strategic plan to assist SYSC players with pursing the next level in soccer in Canada, the United Staes and Europe. Connor will provide ongoing weekly support to all SYSC coaches and players by attending Junior and Soo City United sessions on Saturdays and Sundays during the winter training season. Connor will also provide TD support to all SYSC coaches and training camps for players during the summer months.

Starting January 13th, Connor will be on the pitch weekly to provide coaching principles and assist coaches with conducting training sessions.

Playing history:

Manchester City Premier League Academy - 2 years.

Blackburn Rovers Premier League Academy - 3 years.

Rochdale FC - Pro 2 years.

NCAA D1 - University of Indianapolis

Capilano University – Vancouver

Coaching Qualifications:

Level 1 & 2 English Football Association

Coaching Experience BC Soccer Premier League – Equivalent to OPDL

Burnaby FC U18 coach

Burnaby FC U13 coach

Currently - Algoma University assistant coach

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

#saultyouthsoccer #AlgomaThunderbirds #soccertraining

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 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!                                                                    

First weekend back at training. Over 250 Soo United players back on the pitch. Players and coaches have been waiting for this day since September. Good luck. Become better players. Meet a new friend! #saultyouthsoccer #saultstemarie #soccer

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

SYSC Development Program Committee are pleased to announce the 2023/2024 Junior United Coaches! Assistant coaches and managers will be selected by the head coach for each age group.

U8(2016) Girls - Mario Palumbo

U8(2016) Boys - to be announced

U9(2015) Girls - Jessica Boniferro

U9(2015) Boys - Eugene Pagliaro

U10(2014) Girls - Paolo Demarco

U10(2014) Boys - Ross Romano

U11(2013) Girls - Don Muto

U11(2013) Boys - Ross Romano

U12(2012) Girls - AP Baillargeon-Smith

U12(2012) Boys - Steve Mazzuca

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)

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.

Congratulations to all of our new referees that participated over the weekend to obtain their certification. A special thank you to Stacey Rizzo for being a mentor to all of these new recruits.

"Please be kind and respectful to our new additions, as they gain experience in their new roles. I look forward to working with all of them this summer." - Leni Mazzuca, Sault Youth Soccer Club Head Referee

Our awards banquet was held at The Machine Shop on Monday where we celebrated a very successful season with several tournament victories. We are proud of the way that these players have developed over the past season. These athletes represented our city at various tournaments across North America. Here are the award winners for each group. Each team had an MVP and a Coach's Award. Congrats to all of the deserving winners. And a big thank you to the coaches, assistants, managers, organizers and parents who have committed to the program. We look forward to the 2024 season.

U13 Girls
MVP-Alaina DeRubeis
Coaches Award-Saija Maione

U14 Girls
MVP-Meris McCabe
Coaches Award-Maddy Coulman

U15 Girls
MVP-Celina Pinelli
Coaches Award-Lila Jarrett

U16 Girls
MVP-Lauren Moran
MVP-Ayla Mazzuca
Coaches Award: Ava Barone, Keira Berlingieri,
Mattea Bruni, Abby Carlucci,
Vanessa Carota, Amy Clement,
Lauren Doyle-Moran, Ava Esson,
Bryce Gagnon, Abby Jaremko,
Kloe Kurylo, Sophie Lamour,
Ayla Mazzuca, Vivianna Merlino,
Lexi Shields, Tru Toms, Lola Valente

U18 Girls
MVP- Olivia Spadafora
Coaches Award-Gabby Lepore

Boys

U13 Boys
MVP-Isaac Sullivan
Coaches Award-Cy Devries

U15 Boys
MVP-Grayson Giordano
Coaches Award-Ryder Strachan

U17 Boys
MVP-Elijah Beaton
Coaches Award-Conner Magnan
 

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.