The NorWest Lightning U16 Provincial team is made up of 20 unique young women who, together, create a unit that will strive to maintain an ideal balance of hard work and fun, in 2016. Over the years, the team has established a strong sense of camaraderie and friendship. This tight-knit group has shown passion, determination, dedication and a drive to obtain their goal – winning WOYSL and qualifying for OYSL.
Coach Brian Foster is very proud of the Lightning girls and their successes.
“Originally, I had a three-year plan to achieve our goal of reaching L1, but we met it in only two!” he said.
Making the transition from a Regional to a Provincial team is huge. The players have been putting in a lot of time and making personal sacrifices. The team has had ups and downs; from coach and player changes, to developing a more positive mindset when approaching challenges.
“One of our central focuses has been convincing the players to believe in themselves,” Foster said. “That through hard work and dedication, they can achieve their goals.”
To prepare for the challenges ahead, the team trains on turf multiple times a week and will participate in several Indoor, 11v11, tournaments this winter, in Canada and the U.S.
In addition to conditioning and technical training throughout their “off season,” the Lightning has dedicated time to mentoring younger NW players and volunteering for the club.
“They help out often!” said a NW Administrator. “Parents tell us how inspiring they were at our Jumpstart Free Play Fundraiser, and they walked the Hyde Park Santa Claus Parade sharing candy with families as our float passed. We’re proud of the girls for many reasons.”
The Lightning shared that they wouldn’t be where they are without training from Empower Conditioning, support and encouragement from their parents, coaches, and the NorWest Soccer staff.
Team captain, Rayna Plante-Schneider, is looking forward to the challenges that such high-level soccer brings.
“This coming season will be difficult, but an exciting new step for us!” she said.
Players and coaches alike are hopeful that next season will be as extraordinary as previous ones, and are eager to show Ontario what they’re made of!
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Story submitted by Isabelle Hicks, Elizabeth Litchfield, and Rayna Plante-Schneider
