2016 Outdoor Season
Thanks to the Board of Directors, coaches, managers, parents, sponsors, players and all others who contributed to a successful inaugural season of the Elgin Middlesex District Soccer League (EMDSL). The players showed great enthusiasm for the game of soccer, which was evident from the overall improvement in skills and the amount of fun that they had. It should be noted that there was a high level of rivalry and skills exhibited both at the Festivals and District Cup competition. Congratulations to the winners of their respective age groups.
The Senior Leagues again had another very competitive season, as the teams jockeyed for top positions. Congratulations to all the winners of their Division and League Cup Champions.
At the Regional level, the teams from EMSA District were very competitive. In the boys division, our teams – London United ‘00 and the London Youth Whitecaps ‘02 – were winners. On the Girls side, the London Youth Whitecaps ‘03 were winners of their division.
Several of our teams entered the Ontario Cup Tournament and faced fierce competition from their rivals. At the Tier 1 level, the London Youth Whitecaps ‘02 Boys team were Silver Medalists. Congratulations to everyone who participated. Special acknowledgement to the London Marconi Azzurri Women’s team who captured the Provincial title. Also, the London Youth Whitecaps ‘99 Boys team won the OYSL Provincial Championship and went on to win the Quebec – Ontario Cup. Congratulations to all involved for such a fantastic season.
Finally, on the National stage, let’s congratulate the London Marconi Azzurri Women who went on to claim the Bronze medal at the National Championship.
Overall it was a good year for soccer in our District. We will continue to work at enhancing the game for our players.
High Performance Soccer Clinic
On Saturday, October 1, Allstate Insurance, in collaboration with Canada Soccer and the Elgin Middlesex Soccer Association, hosted a unique Soccer Clinic for 200 players at the BMO Centre in London.
The Clinic featured special guest Rhian Wilkinson, defender and two-time Olympic Bronze Medalist for Canada Soccer’s Women’s National Team, who was on hand to provide coaching and instruction to participants aged 11 to 16. The young players were guided through multiple skills and drill stations designed to increase their performance and confidence. The response from players to participate was overwhelming with over 250 players signing up. In an effort to keep the experience more intimate, a lottery was conducted for 200 spots.
All players were given an autographed photo of Rhian Wilkinson, a photo of themselves at the interactive photo booth, and the chance to win an autographed Canada Soccer National Team jersey. The participants had many opportunities to interact and learn from Rhian throughout the scheduled activities.
On behalf of the Ontario Soccer Association and Elgin Middlesex Soccer Association, we want to take this opportunity to express our sincere thanks to Allstate Insurance Company, Canada Soccer, Rhian Wilkinson, BMO, our local coaches, and all the players for making the day such a memorable experience.
Submitted by Elgin Middlesex Soccer Association
