ask THe eXperTs
What is great about
soccer in ottawa?
Kickabout's staff asked this question
to these local leaders
Garth Gittens
Coach, algonquin Thunder at as a break from waking up early and going Men/ Women, St. Anthony Men) and varsity ANELL
Womens' Team to a freezing hockey rinks during the winter teams (Ottawa Women, Carleton Men, and
TEF
There are many great things months. Now, the sport in this city has Algonquin Men) have all seen success at the CIO ES
about soccer in Ottawa. Last become a year-round activity – look at all the national and/or provincial levels. The now-
Y IGNA
summer’s FIFA U20 World indoor facilities that have been made available defunct Ottawa Wizards saw tremendous
T
O B
Cup hosted here in Ottawa, for the sport. It is great to go to a dome or success in the Canadian Professional Soccer
PHO
was extremely successful. Ottawa soccer fans field and see so many proud parents, players League CPSL.
were treated to exciting matches featuring and coaches wearing their team colours and At the youth level, participation in soccer
some of the sports stars of tomorrow. Sell- supporting their soccer associations has risen dramatically and local clubs now
out crowds at Lansdowne Park showed the offer demonstrably better development
world the pride and enthusiasm of soccer in sanjeev parmar programs. Yes, we still need more and
Ottawa. Csa a Licensed Coach, better qualified coaches and there is more
The 12 domes and indoor facilities around Director of parmar sports to be done. Soccer in Ottawa now has much
the region are a direct result from the Training Inc. more to offer young players with different
significant growth of participants playing the The soccer community in competitive options for the elite player: the
game. These facilities allow Ottawa soccer Ottawa is beginning to evolve Ontario Youth Soccer League (OYSL) or the
clubs and players to train and play 12 months and provide a unique spectrum of opportunities University Soccer League (USL) and the Super
a year, which has contributed to the rise in for its participants. Soccer players in the city Y-League. However you measure success, be
talent coming out of this area. The region has are able to participate at various levels from it U.S. scholarship students (the Fury alone
excelled in developing players at every level grassroots to semi-professional. Various has 30 over the last three years), tournament
from national team to top Canadian and U.S. avenues that exist include pick-up soccer, City championships, YSL division titles, or players
universities, and has sent players to English of Ottawa soccer programs, public school trying out for professional clubs, Ottawa is
youth and Brazilian academy teams. programs, local soccer clubs, academies, now on the soccer map.
All clubs in Ottawa have experienced private development programs, provincial
growth in numbers over the last few programs and semi-professional teams. These sandy Mackie
years. Recreationally and competitively, there opportunities provide a place for participants Head Coach, Carleton
are opportunities to participate at every to enjoy the game for as long as they wish to raven’s Men’s soccer
level. Programs can be found for the first timer play. It’s exciting for what the future holds for Over the last 30 years I
to the old timer at the age and level they need. the beautiful game in Ottawa. have watched the world’s
Clubs are offering more diverse programming most popular game grow in
along with quality coaching education, which Colin McCurdy Ottawa in a way that the early
contributes to the positive experience and Club Technical Director, “pioneers” would never have imagined. Soccer
T
OGRAPHY)
development of the player. ottawa fury is a focal point for so many players, coaches
Soccer in Ottawa will continue to grow When I first arrived as and parents within the diverse communities
TYLE PHO
contributing to the quality of life for residents the Eastern Ontario District that make up Ottawa. From my perspective
in the region. Soccer Association (EODSA) as coach at Carleton, there has been a
CKIE (FREES
technical director in 2000, Ottawa was tremendous improvement in the technical
) / MA kwame Telemaque viewed as a backwater for soccer – how that standards of local players, which stands as a
VES
Club Head Technical Coach, has changed! testament to the hard work and commitment
GREA
osu The Fury W-League team, currently of local coaches and volunteers. This has
Y (HAR
The great thing about soccer ranked 7th best women’s team in the world been reflected with last season’s number
in Ottawa is being able to see (www.womensworldfootball.com), has gained one national ranking for the Carleton Raven’s
CURD
the progression of how popular North American recognition by reaching soccer program: a team made up almost
Y
: MC
S B
the sport has grown. Soccer in Ottawa was the W-League Final Four in four of the last entirely of local players. Best wishes and Keep
T
O
predominately a summer sport. It was looked five years. Local club teams (Ottawa Royals the Ball Rolling!
PHO
www.Kickabout.ca
Ottawa
5
sprING/suMMer 2008 <<
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