Throughout a persistent rainfall on Sunday in Moncton, enthusiasm remained unbroken as youthful athletes fearlessly took to the soccer pitch. In the penultimate day of the U-17 Cup at the Canada Soccer Toyota National Championships, many attendees sought refuge beneath umbrellas and a vast array of rain gear. However, the lads from Team British Columbia seemed invigorated by the damp conditions, leveraging them to secure a victory.
Rio Yassin, integral to the team’s success, expressed no surprise at their performance. “The weather, in fact, strengthened our resolve,” he declared. “Being Vancouver natives, we’ve grown accustomed to such conditions. It certainly tipped the scales in our favor today.”
The prestigious championship tournament, held in Moncton, unfolded over six glorious days with a grand sum of 55 games. Serge Manuel, chair of the local organizing committee, described the event as a pivotal opportunity to showcase the talent of these budding players to universities and professional academies alike. Additionally, he emphasized the championship’s high caliber, praising the incessant energy and competitive spirit of the young participants.
Moncton’s history with the tournament traces back to the U-14 Nationals in 2016. This year, the city flung open its doors to 22 combatant teams: 10 vying for the Girls U-17 Cup and 12 contending for the Boys U-17 Cup. Manuel noted, “We’ve ensured representation from all provinces. Moreover, we’ve included a team from Northwest Territories, despite the challenging circumstances they faced back home.”
While the Northwest Territories team contended with smoke and other hindrances due to nearby wildfires, they nonetheless seized the chance to relish the beauty New Brunswick had to offer. Their experience echoed the teams’ overall sentiment about the tournament; it provided an unparalleled exploration of Atlantic Canada.
Yassin, on his second visit to New Brunswick, effusively applauded the region’s hospitality. The world-class arrangements, extending from transportation to boarding, and the mouth-watering local cuisine left a deep impression on him.
The games of the tournament were strategically spread across four exemplary fields in the Moncton area: The Croix Bleue Medavie Stadium, Rocky Stone Field, Harrison Trimble High School, and Bernice MacNaughton High School.
Despite Sunday’s inclement weather, the buoyant atmosphere remained intact. Alongside the main event, numerous heartwarming tales emerged as well. Wendy Fletcher, who traveled a modest three hours to watch her grandson represent Team Alberta, remarked upon her experience with a radiating smile.
The tournament’s climactic conclusion awaits on Monday, with 11 thrilling final matches in the pipeline. An eagerly expectant Yassin shared, “I am looking forward to having the gleaming gold medal draped around my neck. I’m filled with anticipation for the final game. Every moment of hard work has led up to this, and I can’t wait to step onto the field tomorrow.”
