AYSC - A Better Place to Learn

Olivia Scott Q&A with AYSC

I have been playing with the OPDL since U13 under coach Siamac. I have enjoyed the focus and intensity that Siamac brings to practices. All of my teammates come to practice eager and ready to learn and work hard. The encouragement of my teammates and the level of competition has resulted in me continually improving my game. We are lucky to have a lot of support including trainers at every practice, we have had nutrition and sport psychology sessions every year and this year we have begun to focus on University scholarship opportunities.  The competition in OPDL is good.  While some teams are better than others, in OPDL you can’t let up! The minute you stop working hard and working as a team the ball ends up in the back of the net.



Having played in AYSC for so long, what are your thoughts on the development and progress of women's soccer in Ontario and in Aurora?

When I was younger the highest level in Aurora you could play for soccer was rep. Now, Aurora has developed more opportunities for women’s soccer by providing OPDL and League 1.  These leagues have made an impact of women’s soccer. Both OPDL and league 1 have professional coaches who are committed to player development. For girls who really like the competitive game, they can find great training and competition right here in Aurora. 



How did you feel when you found out you had been selected for the national team? What personal goals did you set for yourself in the lead up to the tournament?

It was an honour to be selected to represent my Country. It was like a dream come true. I had been thinking about this moment since I was 8 years old when I started rep soccer playing for Coach Brent Unger. I focused on fitness and health during the lead up to the tournament. I did weight training 3 times a week and interval training twice a week.  This fitness regime made me stronger on the pitch with more stamina. I also focused on eating healthier and hydration.



How was your experience in the national team? What new things did you learn during your time there and what new things will you add to your game?

The experience included the travel, the hotel, the team, the coaching ,the weather, the games and health. All the Ontario players traveled down to Orlando together. When we got to the resort we met with the rest of the team and the coaches. Although we did not know each other, it only took a couple of hours before we started to bond as good friends and teammates. Every day we had a schedule emailed with activities such as meetings, hydration tests, massage, practices, meals, games, video sessions, and curfew. Every night we had to be in our rooms lights out at 9 o’clock and up early. I thought I would never be able to fall asleep at 9, but after a couple of days 9 felt like midnight. We were away for 16 days and we played 7 games. It felt like the team got better every game but so did the competition. We learned the importance of hydration and new tactics. Hydration was so important because it was 35 plus degrease outside every day. The tactics became more and more important as we played against tougher teams.  My favourite game was the semi-final against Mexico.  We were down by one goal early and we had to come back.   They are a very competitive team.  Our entire team had to play at our highest level to win that game.  It was amazing to come away with the victory. 

 
What are your hopes for the future? Where would you like soccer to take you in the next five years?

In the future I hope to earn a scholarship to a division 1 university. I also hope to play for the U17, U20 and eventually the women’s national team.

Last Updated on Thursday, 06 October 2016 10:12

Sarah Stratigakis Q&A with AYSC

Sarah Stratigakis gives exclusive interview to AYSC nearing the end of her League 1 Ontario season.

1)How has your League 1 Ontario experience been so far?

It has been a great opportunity to participate in League One and being part of the newly established Aurora team.  I want to thank coaches Jim Brennan, Ramin Mohammadi, Marco Ciampa, all staff and my teammates for the their constant support and commitment. 

League One has provided me with weekly competitive games. A good aspect of these games is the 5 player substitution rule which is closer to the international style of play. I also appreciate that the games are videoed and streamed lined as I use them to analyze my game.  

2) With all the experience you have gathered so far, what can you say about the level of Women's soccer in Canada and compared to other countries you have seen play and played against.

I have had the honour to represent Canada at various age groups (U15’s to U23’s) and have played against many countries. Canada has made great strides in player development. In my experience Canadian talent is at par and we are more then capable to compete against tier one opposition. 

3) How do you feel about soccer in Aurora and York Region compared to other parts of Canada? What things stick out to you more, and what things do you think need to be improved on.

York Region, specifically Aurora, has a strong growing community with lots of participation in their soccer program. Parents and club's should encourage and provide incentives for the younger players to come out and support the League One Women’s Team. I remember going to games and watching players like Ashley Lawrence, Kadeisha Buchanan, and Rebecca Quinn on their youth club teams which inspired me to train hard and put me on the current path I am on today.

4) What are your biggest challenges playing on the national team from such a young age?

My biggest challenge is balancing my school work and soccer; both require a huge time commitment to achieve a certain level of success. Playing on the National Team requires  a lot of travel and time away from home and school, which means that I have had to develop excellent time management skills and be extremely resourceful.

5) What are your hopes for the future? Where do you want to be in five years?

My goals for the future are to win a National Championship with Michigan University, win a Women’s World Cup, and to play for the Canadian Senior Women’s National Team. In five years I will have graduated from Michigan University, and have started on my career.

AYSC Honours Club Award Recipients

The Aurora Youth Soccer Club presented the 2015 Club Awards Thursday, November 19 at The Aurora Seniors' Centre. The elite group of individuals recognized this evening have played a significant role on their teams both on and off the field during the 2015 season.

Among those who received honours was Anna Bisogno-Coutts (pictured), who earned the Stinger of the Year, the most prestigious award of the evening. The President's Award went to long-term Club volunteer and Board member Roy Cohen. Community Partner recognition was awarded to Omar's Shoes and Aurora Home Hardware Centre.

As a player, coach, manager or an enthusiastic volunteer, the contribution of all the award recipients is integral to the success of our programs. We thank all those who attended the evening.

Please visit the facebook album for more photos.


2015 AYSC Award Winners

House League Girls Player of the Year
Samantha Ryan

House League Boys Player of the Year
Mark Jakubik

House League Coach of the Year
Louie and Angie Statigakis

All-Star Girls Player of the Year
Kimberly Browne

All-Star Boys Player of the Year
Allen Dos Santos

All-Star Coach of the Year
Martin Dunstan
Paul Palozzi

Rep Girls Player of the Year
Michaela Iacono

Rep Boys Player of the Year
Carlos Buitrago

Rep Coach of the Year
Fabio Trinchini

OPDL Girls Player of the Year
Soumaya Bouak

OPDL Boys Player of the Year
Aryan Iranspour

Referee of the Year
Matthew Nitsopoulos

Rookie Referee of the Year
Jeremy Jodhan

Community Partners
Home Hardware
Omars Shoes

Presidents Award
Roy Cohen

Stinger of the Year
Anna Bisogno-Coutts

Most Valuable Volunteers
Alan Peck
Anthony Licata
Bill Warner
Brian Hickling
Carl Koteff
Carrie Fineman
Cesare Falckh
Chris Buckley
Chris Mihele
Christopher Aldis
Daniel Hashimoto
Derek White
Dominic Reynolds
George Mochizuki
George Watt
Gerald Misa
Gord MacLean
Greg Davidson
Iftikhar Mahmood
Jim Magnante
Jim Merekoulias
John Aldis
John De Roos
Keith Higgins
Kirsten Falckh
Nancy Flemming
Laurie Harris
Lorenzo Casullo
Majid Asgari
Marc DeCassan
Mark Jarrett
Mark Slack
Matt Rosati
Michael Slack
Mike Zambri
Mike Di Nunno
Mike Mueller
Nick Beriault
Oleg Nikolaenko
Paul Campbell
Roberto Dalla Roso
Ronda Theaker
Shannon Barnard
Shawn Burt
Sid Matar
Simon Barton
Simon Fineman
Stacey Menzies
Therese Harris
Thomas Seidel
Tony DiNardo
Warren Mingham
Willy Bertola

Last Updated on Monday, 30 November 2015 11:40

Join Us: Kaylyn Kyle Soccer Clinic - Nov. 14, 2015

The Aurora Youth Soccer Club welcomes Canadian Women's National team member Kaylyn Kyle to town Saturday, November 14 at the Aurora Sports Dome. Kyle will be running a soccer clinic, which will include on-field sessions with the Olympic Bronze medalist, a Q & A period and a chance to interact with Kyle for the day. Get an inside peek into the life of one of the most capped players in Canada and hear about her experiences over the years. 

"We're excited to have Kaylyn come to Aurora and share her knowledge and vast experience she's gained over her career," said AYSC Executive Director Jimmy Brennan. "This is a great opportunity for our players to interact with one of the top players in the country with over 100 caps for Canada."

Raised in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Kaylyn has been a member of Team Canada since 2008. Kaylyn won a bronze medal at the London 2012 Olympic Games. She competed at the 2011 WWC in Germany and the 2015 WWC hosted in Canada, where she earned her 100th cap. She represented Canada at the Youth level from 2005-08. Kaylyn attended the University of Saskatchewan before turning professional in 2006. She has spent time with the Vancouver Whitecaps, Pitea IF (Sweden), Seattle Reign FC(USA), and currently plays with the Portland Thorns of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL).

The Kaylyn Kyle Soccer Clinic is open to girls and boys ages 8(Born 2008)-18(Born 1998). Please register online or at the AYSC Office.

Last Updated on Wednesday, 07 October 2015 10:01