Nor’West U15 Boys
The Nor’West U15 Boys team plays in the Elgin Middlesex District Soccer League in the Tier 2 division. One of the team’s goals this year has been to develop the newcomers who came up from house league into stronger and more
confident players.
“We’re working on developing that first touch, and at the same time trying to get some of these kids to feel confident
in taking shots during the games,” said head coach Billy Cardona, who grew up playing soccer in North Scarborough, as
well as Whitby and Oshawa. “I’m trying to help our kids with their confidence and development, and their understanding of the game that I grew up loving.”
Cardona, who continues to play himself for Forest City FC (men’s Masters) Division 1, believes that his Nor’West squad’s biggest strength is their team speed, as the boys are very fast on the pitch. The coach also thinks a team strength has been the tough defensive game that his players have played. Consistent goaltending has also been a strength.
The team is looking forward to a strong finish to the season as they hope to play for a title. As for a long-term goal, Cardona says his team wants to make the jump to Tier 1 next season.
Nor’West Gunners U13 Boys
The Nor’West Gunners U13 team, members of the Nor’West Optimist Soccer Club, play in the Elgin Middlesex District
Soccer League (EMDSL). The team’s head coach is Andrew Sheriff, who has been working with many of the same boys
since the Grassroots level (U9).
“The players are great,” said Sheriff. “I’ve loved watching this team develop since U9. They challenge me by asking
great questions, and their freedom in playing the game shows how much they’ve learned. It’s amazing to see players
develop with such positive attitudes and to see them challenge themselves.”
From day one, Sheriff told the parents that he was there to develop the players, not build trophy cases. And he has made sure that the boys have had fun along the way.
“It’s important that every player gets their equal share of playing time on the field,” says Sheriff. “And that still rings true to this day.”
The team is dedicated to improving their technical and tactical skills while they transition from 9v9 in U12 last year to 11v11 this season (which means a change in field size and ball size). They support each other, and they respect each other and the game.
Says Sheriff: “Regardless of the outcome of the game, they walk off the pitch with their heads held high and with
a positive attitude, knowing they had fun and played their best.”
Contributions by Andy Sheriff, Billy Cardona and Mike Beukeboom
