March 22, 2013
Canadian Osorio Living The Life With Toronto FC
(CP) - On a Toronto FC roster still in the midst of a major overhaul, midfielder Jonathan Osorio remains one of the more surprising finds.
The 20-year-old from Toronto was a new name to most during the pre-season, a recent signing to the MLS club's academy. But new manager Ryan Nelsen saw enough to include him in his first starting 11, against the Columbus Crew during a February exhibition tournament in Orlando, Fla. Osorio has stuck with the team, ranking as its third-youngest player behind fellow academy graduates Quillan Roberts (18) and Doneil Henry (19). It's a tribute to Osorio's skills and attitude, as well as proof of Nelsen's belief in picking players on performance rather than reputation. >>> |
March 15, 2013
Michael Thornton, 12-year-old soccer star from Toronto, moving to Europe to chase his dream
(Daniel Girard, Toronto Star) - Michael Thornton is a very good soccer player. Not, hey-look-at-that-kid-he-can-play good, but are-you-kidding-me-did-he-really-just-do-that good. The Toronto youngster, who turns 13 later this month, is so gifted with the ball at his feet he’s already attracted attention from some of the world’s most renowned clubs — Manchester City, AS Roma, Inter Milan, Sampdoria and Paris Saint-Germain — where he has been on youth academy trials. In May, Michael, his parents, Paul and Debbie Thornton, along with his two brothers, David, 10, and Chris, 14, are off to Spain to kick more soccer balls — and tires — in search of the right European club to nurture him. >>> |
March 14, 2013
OYSL University/College Showcase set for May 3-5
(SoccerWire.com) - The Ontario Youth Soccer League has announced the dates for their 3rd annual University/College Fair. The event, which is only open to teams who played in the OYSL in 2012 and are returning in 2013, will take place at the OSA Soccer Centre in Vaughn, Ontario and run from May 3rd until the 5th. The weekend is designed to give under 16 (1997) and under 17 (1996) teams the chance to participate in an organized showcase in front of coaches from colleges and universities from both Canada and the United States. By taking part in the event players get the chance to introduce themselves to schools and show them their on field abilities. >>> |
February 24, 2013
SAAC Members Part of First ORNCA Class
(RELEASE) - This past weekend, thirteen SAAC members have been officially approved as OSA Recognized Non-Club Academies (ORNCA). These organizations have undergone a rigorous approval and assessment program and have represented SAAC well during the process. Congratulations to the following SAAC organizations. All but one of the 14 original ORNCA groups are SAAC members. SAAC expects its remaining Ontario-based members to complete their assessments prior to kickoff of the 2013 season. The approval/assessment process is one in which no other organizations in the province have ever been evaluated against, and mirrors the high standards that SAAC has held its members to since 2005. >>> |
