Today we speak with Railway City F.C player Alan Monyard. At just the young age of 21 he's amassed quite the resume. We explore him living and playing the beautiful game in Europe and all the opportunities that the beautiful game provided him.

"This was a refreshing podcast with Alan. He's been shape by some of the best coaches around. It was a pleasure to learn more about him today." say Abbi Lezizidis.

Come out and support Alan and watch an artist on the pitch.

"Hard work in practice makes you better in a game."

Thank you Alan for joining the pod.

Alan's Achievements:

Played in the San Marino Cup when I was 9 in San Marino, Italy representing Canada and

losing in the semi finals.

Played in the Cotif Cup when I was 11 in Gandia Spain.

Played as a guest player for a Columbian team at the USA Cup

Travelled to Harefield England when I was 13 and stayed at the Watford FC Academy Complex

Friendlies with Watford FC, Stevenage FC, Reading FC, Brighton FC, MK Dons FC, Leicester City FC

Participated in the FCBescola Camp in Barcelona, Spain when I was 14 and was invited to train

with their youth teams in the evenings.

Invited for the Ontario Provincial Trials in September 2018.

Invited as Guest player for SAAC League Finals game a year up and helped secure the League

Champion win by scoring.

Lead scorer consistently during youth play.

Numerous Youth Soccer Tournament wins all through youth years throughout United States

and Canada

Played in Baraca Cup outside Barcelona October 2019 - selected for Lank U19 youth team based

on performance.

We welcome back Stephanie to the pod. We spoke with Stephanie in Feb 2021. Since then she's been at NDC. NDC is the National Development Centre for the Best of the Best youth female soccer players in the Country.

Stephanie is heading to Providence College D1 in the Big East Conference.

All the best Stephanie. We will be following and watching closely.

Feb 2021 Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/episode/4odWzx9fmT7E3aSH4pG3vR?si=PhwwWy94SkKAww0E61LvgA

Come meet Olivia Mills. She is a force on the pitch and a very competitive player. She shares her story of determination, her work ethic and how she continues to achieve her goals. Olivia is heading to Evansville D1 in Illinois. All the Best Olivia!!!

An awesome podcast with an incredibly gifted player. Kimee Liu is heading to the State of Michigan to play D1 with Oakland University. She will be studying Health Sciences.

All the Best Kimee. Oakland is lucky to have you.

Heidi is heading to D1 - St Peters University located in New Jersey. Heidi shares her recruitment process and is incredibly thoughtful and positive throughout the process. Thank you Heidi and good luck in Jersey.

Photo Credit : ADC

Hello & welcome to the round table featuring parents...Troy Nazarewicz, Aparna Tarc, Stephen Mitchell, Andrew Howell & Sue Amaral

You don't want to miss this one. An amazing good and honest discussion from parents who new and experienced parents in the game.

In this Podcast we discuss the scope of soccer in Canada from the round table eyes. How they see it Nationally to the pitches locally...

• Is it working?

• In their opinion…Is the club meeting this area?

o What do we need to focus on?

o What is the area of good and we should strive to be better.

o What are some things you’ve seen and identified?

• Are your child’s goals to continue to grow in the game. Are they multi sport?

And the final question...

• The RIDE Home. We hear from the round table what their ride home looks like after a match, practice etc. This is an area real important to the podcast.

Sarah K. Sparrow - Former Whitecaps London Player in Playing and Studying in England

An incredibly awesome and honest conversation with Sarah Sparrow…a 2004 former Whitecaps player who made the decision to jump over the pond in England to follow her dream to play professional football. We discuss her pathway and love the for the game. Thoughts on the pathway in Canada for young players and lack there of….

An important Podcast for many young players. Belief, Commitment and Perseverance and a reminder to always follow your dreams.

More about Sarah….

http://sarahkayesparrow.com/

Sarah Kaye Sparrow

I am a left footed winger originally from Winnipeg, Canada. I currently play for Dorking Wanderers FC Women in England, where I was a part of Lou Cooper’s squad that did “the double” ………………

Sarah K Sparrow – Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/sarahkayesparrow/

Dorking Wanderers – Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/dwfcwomen/

University Campus of Football Business – Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/ucfbuk/

About Dorkin

https://dwfc.co.uk/club/history/

About UCFB's Global Institute of Sport

https://www.ucfb.ac.uk/ucfb-events/ucfb-undergraduate-open-days/

More about DORKING

https://dwfc.co.uk/teams/women/

Located in: Dorking Wanderers Football Club is a semi-professional football club based in Dorking, Surrey, England. Affiliated to the Surrey County Football Association, they are currently members of the National League, the fifth tier of English football, and play at Meadowbank.

Dorking is a market town in Surrey in Southeast England, about 21 mi south of London. It is in Mole Valley District and the council headquarters are to the east of the centre. The High Street runs roughly east–west, parallel to the Pipp Brook and along the northern face of an outcrop of Lower Greensand. Wikipedia

Parent of the Club Kimberly shares her voyage as a Canadian Champion and Olympic Athlete in Curling.

She shares some great insight into the sport of Curling and how it has transferred both as an athlete and coach in her role as a parent.

We discuss the ride home and everything in between having a daughter playing in her first OPDL year.

This was an exciting and very interesting podcast with Kimberly.

Enjoy...

More about Kimberly Tuck.

Just returned from Calgary for the Canadian Women's Championship more commonly known as the Scotties Tournament of Hearts

Canadian gold medal in the discipline of Mixed Doubles,

I also have a Canadian Mixed (4 person) as Team Ontario silver medal and two Canadian Mixed bronze medals.

Competed in two Olympic Trials...one in women's, and one in mixed doubles (should have been 3, but thanks to covid the Olympic Trials for Mixed Doubles for the last Olympics was cancelled) that would have let to representing Canada at the Olympics.

Mixed Doubles Canadian Championship title and representing Canada at the World Mixed Doubles Curling Championships is still my proudest accomplishment, nothing like being Team Canada!

Curling competitively since age 13.

Was a figure skater in her younger days.

Played fastball very competitively, winning a Provincial Championship.

Other…

Coached Taylors team from U9 to U12 while she played in Strathroy.

Heavily involved in coaching in curling and look to get more involved in that as her career winds down.

Social Media. X (formerly know as twitter) : https://twitter.com/HoglineSally

Wikipedia

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kimberly_Tuck

Team Inglis

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=899002115346131&set=pb.100057090535207.-2207520000

A Great conversation with a strong athlete from the club. Dominic Cabral shares his passion and love the beautiful game. A fantastic speaker with a charisma/vibe you can feel through the podcast.

Dom is an example of hard work paying off joining our program through the Woodstock Soccer Club in his u13 year.

Since his arrival Dominic has been selected to Ontario Provincial Screen and the Vancouver Whitecaps Integration Camp.

Rob Pereira - Whitecaps London Technical Director has this to say about Dominic - "Dom is an excellent athlete, who is also very technically sound.  His ability to play out of the back and his range of passing allow him to play in any system.  We're excited for Dom and his future in the game."

Mike Ayyash - Whitecaps FC - Academy Centre Technical Director has this to say about Dominic "Dominic was excellent during the MLS Integration Camp in Vancouver last November where the top 2008 boys’ prospects from around the Whitecaps national network trained with our MLS Academy staff and competed with MLS Academy players in this talent ID event. He showed strong leadership qualities on the field and maturity off the field, excellent shot stopping skills and put in strong performances in training and games. He represented London very well and is someone to track as he continues to grow and develop."

In this episode Chris shares his thoughts on club structures across the province. A student and lover of the beautiful game does a fantastic job articulating the needs and wants of the game both from a former player perspective to coach / coach instructor.

There is a good amount of banter in this podcast. You can feel the passion of the game and the details he shares from Chris through the airwaves. You will love this podcast and gain more insight about the game around all the levels and age groups. We sure did!

More about Chris...

Experienced Technical Director with a demonstrated history of working in the sports industry. Skilled in Soccer, Event Planning, Sports Management, Player Development, and Coaching. Strong information technology professional graduated from Central Elgin Collegiate Institute. Experienced Technical Director with a demonstrated history of working in the sports industry. Skilled in Soccer, Event Planning, Sports Management, Player Development, and Coaching. Strong information technology professional graduated from Central Elgin Collegiate Institute.

Experience

Coach – Whitecaps London

Technical Director - London TFC Academy / FC London · Full-time - Mar 2021 - Sep 2021

Regional Manager Player Development Program - Ontario Soccer

Jun 2018 - Dec 2020 · 2 yrs 7 months

NorWest Optimist Soccer - Oct 2011 - Sep 2013 · 2 yrs

London, Canada

Social Media - X - formerly know as twitter.

In prior Series of the podcast, we often speak about the importance of multi-sport support in the club. We now need to begin using the name "Multi-Arts" when it come to Cindy Li.

Cindy is an amazing soccer player, committed to the sport she loves as you will hear through out the podcast. BUT...Did you know she has a love for the ART's?

We caught up with our WRSL player Cindy to discuss soccer, her interest in Robotics and her love for theatre. Cindy was played a large role in the High School Production of "Phantom of the Opera" host at the Grand Theatre in Sept - Oct 2023.

Check Cindy discussing backstage at the High School Project of Phantom of the Opera. HSP25 - Episode 2: Cast (youtube.com)

Be sure to check out the NEWSIES production happening this school year at Beal Secondary School. Be on the look out for Cindy.

This is the Beautiful Game.

Ashley is a well spoken and very shy at the same time in this interview. Her pathway to League1 and playing with Railway City is very unique and proves that with commitment and perseverance anything is possible. In her 3rd of Criminology at Kings College she continues to play the BEAUTIFUL at the highest lever=l.

Ashely played her youth soccer with LS Croatia and was coached by Pat Roberto and Shawn Jacques. They trained and raised a champion and provided her the tools to develop into a L2 player. Nothing better than a hometown player playing pro-am soccer in her hometown.

Ashely is a quick and determined player with a quiet and strong competitive side.

In this podcast we discuss confidence and commitment to growth. She had arguably the great quote on the history of the podcast when sharing her take away. "Consistency over Performance."

Thank you for sharing your story with us....

Come in and listen to David Rojas as he share his story and journey from Columbia to Canada in 2016 and landed in Montreal.

David began Coaching with us in late 2019 and has continued to grow in the club both on the field and in the admin area.

David grew up playing soccer in the city soccer league of Bogota (Colombia) and also played on the high school and university teams in Colombia.  

David holds a  Canada National Youth Licence in addition to his National Argentina-B Licence.

Coaching Experience

Assistant Coach 2003 Whitecaps Regional Girls (2018/19)

Assistant Coach 2002 Whitecaps Regional Boys  (2018/19)

Head Coach 2007 Whitecaps Regional Boys (2019/2021)

Head Coach 2009 Whitecaps Regional Boys (2021/2022)

Head Coach 2007 Whitecaps Regional Girls (2019/2023)

Assistant Coach 2008 Whitecaps OPDL Girls (2022/2023)

A little more about...

In Colombia, everybody starts playing soccer since we are really little and it was the same for me. At 4 years old my parents registered me in the grassroots team of the club that since then I am fan, Independiente Santa Fe. The first champion of the professional soccer in Colombia. There I grew as a player for a couple of years and then my parents registered me in a small club created by a former Goalkeeper of Santa Fe. In that club, I played from U13 to U16 playing the Bogota (Colombian capital city) league and getting one second place in the league. At the same time, I played in the teams from my school. When I wasn’t training with my teams I was playing soccer on the street in front of my house with my friends. During recess at school, we also played. It wasn’t strange to see 2 or 3 games on the same field at school happening at the same time, but we didn't care, we just love to play. So with a lot of game time, of course a lot of great players are created and for a lot of us the dream is to be a professional player, however I believe that being good is not enough, you also need luck.

When I was 15, I almost had a chance to sign with Santa Fe but luck was not on my side. The owner and former pro player was my coach and he asked me to talked with him. He told me that Santa Fe watch me played in some games and they were interested in sign me for their youth team but he was close to live the country since he got a job in USA, so his brother was keeping the club and he would help me with the process. But unfortunately he never did anything and I was good but I was not Messi so the club didn’t chase me so the opportunity just disappeared.

Then I started playing in the university just for fun and with the dream of being professional in the past. But then my little brother was the one playing a lot at the time and one weekend a game for parents and players was arranged and I went there and play. Just for fun.

And I was like … no, I was born in November 1983. So the opportunity once again just disappeared. He said sorry but the tournament makes the cut for players born in the 84. So good bye to my last chance. I was 19 years old,.

I kept playing in the university finished my degree as systems engineer and then I started working in an Insurance Company. Of course I had to play in the company team and we played tournaments of insurance companies.

Then I moved to Canada, and I decided to pursue a career as a coach. I registered in ATFA that is the best school for coaches in South America based in Argentina. Argentinian Coaches such as Bielsa , Tata Martino, Simeone, the assistant coach of the Argentina national team Pablo Aimar, got their first credentials as coaches in ATFA. I studied most of the course online in the same way Canada soccer run their courses, and the I travelled to Argentina for a week to receive in person classes and present the exams. I got my Argentina B licence there and I got back to Canada to start working in my passion. I joined Whitecaps London as assistant coach and I have been growing from there.

Robyn Brady - Our First Female OPDL Head Coach in club History.

Robyn began coaching in 2011 and never looked back from her playing days at Illinois State D1 Soccer. Her passion and love for the game shines through the podcast. A very methodical speaker and student of the game.

We could had discussed every area in more depth if we didn't want to keep to a timeline. Lol.

Robyn's TAKE AWAY is one of the best in the HISTORY of the Podcast.

Listen to this exciting podcast and we are always looking for feedback.

Robyn pathway to Whitecaps London.

ROBYN BRADY (whitecapslondon.com)

NCAA D1 - Illinois State

Highlights

Stats and Profile from Illinois State Robyn Brady - Soccer - Illinois State University Athletics (goredbirds.com) Illinois State Soccer Earns Trip to NCAA College Cup - Illinois State University Athletics (goredbirds.com)

Whitecaps London Soccer Club – ’17 to present

• L1R Asst. 2022-’23

06G WRSL HC

10G OPDL Asst.

• L1R Asst. 2021-’22

07G & 08B OPDL Asst.

• 06G & 07G OPDL Asst. 2020-’21

• 06G & 07G OPDL Asst. 2019-’20

• 05G & 06G OPDL Asst. 2018-’19

• 05G OPDL Asst. 2017-’18

05G WRSL HC

North London Soccer Club – ’11 to ‘17

• U13G & U12G WRSL HC 2016-’17

• U9G to U12G EMDSL HC 2012-’16

• LAWSL HC-Canadian National Champions: Jubilee Trophy 2012

• U14G OYSL HC 2011-’12

Player

• USL W-League, Toronto Inferno and London Gryphons

• NCAA Div. 1, Illinois State University

• National Training Centre

• Ontario Provincial Player

Stefan Musta - Former Whitecaps London Men's League 1 Reserve Player Signs Pro Contract with ASD POMEZIA CALCIO 1957

Press Release September 8, 2023

A little bit about Stefan,

Stefan and his love of the game began with Whitecaps London in 2016. He quickly became a key member of the teams. A product of the Whitecaps OPDL squad and League One Reserve Men’s Team.

Stefan is of Romanian parents born in Canada

He has been to the Vancouver Whitecaps Youth Combine where he was selected to the "Game of Distinction.’

He has been signed by https://www.pomeziacalcio.com will play the Eccellenza Division.

A quote from scout Mr. Mario D’Oria from OFFICIAL ITALY PROCLUBS TRYOUTS on his thoughts about Stefan:

“Stefan is very determined, strong perseverance, committed, and good technical skills of a player! Hates to lose.”

“Mario D’Oria continues with…as a defender he’s (Stefan) is very aggressive with strong awareness and strength to win the ball at all costs. As mentioned above is adapts quickly to coach on demand while understanding his position of play, has well understood all back 4 positions, to understand all formations the coach wants them to play with knowledge and works hard. Note: all Stefan’s Documentation are in process with Italian football Federation. Plus, we are waiting for the international transfer!

Once All this is done he will be fully registered with the club.

The TOP FIVE reasons they settled on Stefan in no particular order are:

• Physical Appearance/Strength on the ball

• Attitude

• Proper mind set

• Coachable

• Adaptive

Note:

More about OFFICAL ITALY PROCLUB TRYOUTS (We do not endorse directly or indirectly OFFICIAL ITALLY PROCLUB TRYOUTS. Whitecaps London is not associated or affiliated with OFFICIAL ITALY PROCLUBS TRYOUTS in any shape or form also know as OIPCT

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialitalyproclubstryouts/

In today's episode of Post Secondary Celebration Series we speak with Anya Kok. Anya joined our club in 2021 mid way through the season after her family relocated to London Ontario. She instantly became an integral piece of the U17 girls OPDL defensive team. Lucky for us, Anya came to us from Cambridge United OPDL team.

Anya was part of the u17 OPDL girl team that went to the final of the Gary Millar Charity Shield. She will be playing with our League 1 Reserve until she leaves us for the fall to attend the Royal Military College of Canada Women's Soccer Team.

Good Luck Anya!

https://www.rmc-cmr.ca/en/athletic-department/womens-varsity-soccer

On today's episode we speak with Jessye Rady. Jessye is new to our club in 2023. She learned her craft at the St. Thomas Soccer Club. The pandemic almost changed and removed her passion for the beautiful game. She's roared back after the pandemic and dove back into the game with two feet. She credits a couple coaches with keeping her focused throughout.

Jessye will be heading to Niagara College.

Good Luck Jessye!

https://goknights.ca/sports/wsoc/index

Paige Seabrook has been a member of the club since 2016. Paige played her youth soccer with our affiliate Sarnia Girls Soccer Club. Paige is one of the ORIGINAL OPDL players since the inception of the club. She was a standout and dependable goalie for the team. A huge shout out to her parents and who with other families travelled to London for practice sessions four to five times per week. Paige was an integral part of the u17 girls 2022 OPDL team that made a run to the final of the Gary Millar Charity Shield.

Congrats to Paige Seabrook for committing to Fanshawe College @fanshawefalcons 

https://fanshawefalcons.ca/sports/wsoc/index

We wish you the best of luck and are proud of your hard work and dedication over the years

Goodluck Paige

In this episode we speak with Sophia Lezizidis. Sophia has been with our club since 2016. She is one of the OG's from the inception of the OPDL license was issued to Whitecaps London. Sophia played her youth soccer at Byron Soccer Club. In every year of play Sophia was in the TOP 10 scoring race in the entire age related group of the OPDL. She played a large role on the u17 girls team that made it to the final of the Gary Millar Charity Shield. She was the leading scorer in the Premier Division of the u17g girls OPDL age group.

Sophia will be heading to Grambling State University located in the State of Louisiana.

Sophia will be playing on our League 1 Reserve team.

Good Luck Sophia!

https://gsutigers.com/sports/womens-soccer

Reilly Flesher has been with the club since 2016. She played her youth soccer at our affiliate Byron Optimist Soccer Club. She has been an original member of the club since Whitecaps London joined the OPDL in 2017.

Reilly is a powerhouse defender with incredibly strong play. Reilly will be heading off to Beautiful British Columbia in the fall. She is a current player of our League 1 Reserve team for the remainder of 2023.

https://gowolfpack.ca/sports/womens-soccer

Congrats on signing to Thompson Rivers University. We wish you the best of luck in BC.

In this episode we speak to Devin Dance. Devin played soccer in her early years with London Football Academy (LFA). She moved to Whitecaps London in 2018. She was an integral piece of the 2022 - u17 OPDL girls run to the final of the Gary Millar Charity Shield. Her strength is locking up the midfield to any opponent.

Congrats to Devin Dance for committing to Canisius College. We are proud of all your hard work over the years and excited to see what the future has in store.

Devin is currently a member of our League 1 Reserve squad for 2023.

Goodluck Devin

https://gogriffs.com/sports/womens-soccer

On today's episode of we speak Maria Saavedra. Maria joined our organization in 2019. She instantly made an impact, She is a fast and high impact player. She was an integral piece of the incredible run the 2022 - U17 girls OPDL team here at Whitecaps London that reached the final of the Gary Millar Charity Shield.

Maria will be attending and has committed to Oakland University @oaklandwsoc 👏

Proud of all your hard work and dedication. Goodluck in Michigan❗️ Women's Soccer - Oakland University Athletics (goldengrizzlies.com)

Today we connect with Lachlan Sutherland. An "OG" from the club and has been playing through the Whitecaps London system since he was 12 years old.

Now Lachlan in his second year of Film and Television at Sheridan College.

His passion is to continue playing taking step by and see where his play and commitments take him.

An absolute amazing podcast with so many lessons shared by Lachlan.

He's is pursuing Film and Television and has set up a side gig. Check out his side gig that fuels his passion for digital media, TV and Film. Hire him for your next special event or promotional videos.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lachlans.media/

Website: https://www.lachlansutherlandmedia.com/

Thank you Lachlan for sharing your story with us.

In this special edition of the podcast we speak to Mike Ayyash the Whitecaps FC Academy Centre Director and Rob Pereira Whitecaps London Academy Centre Head Coach.

We discuss the combine. How it started, How it's evolved from the early days, where it is today and where it's going.

We announce the KEYNOTE speakers in the PODCAST too.

The combine takes place April 3- 6 in Richmond BC.

Players from across Canada will there as well as SCOUTS from a massive list of schools from Canada and the USA will be in attendance in person.

Enjoy the PODCAST.

About:

The Whitecaps FC Academy Centre Combine is a marquee event for player development and identification within

our club. This event provides an opportunity for players within our provincial Academy Centre network to come

together, compete, develop, and get scouted by our staff in Vancouver, college and university coaches and national

team coaches.

GOALIES GOALIES GOALIES….Now that we have your attention. You are going to love this episode with Jacqueline Cardy. She’s our u17G OPDL goalkeeper. She speaks from the heart about the beautiful game and shares her journey from Timbit soccer to now. She didn’t play goalie until she hit age 12. On Jan 18, 2013, Jacqueline after 5 months of inpatient intensive chemo for childhood AML *. Ten years later Jacqueline is CANCER FREE and is an incredibly smart, driven, and talented 16-year-old.

Thank you Jacqueline for sharing your story with our listeners.

* Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow. It is the most common type of acute leukemia in adults. This type of cancer usually gets worse quickly if it is not treated. AML is also called acute myelogenous leukemia and acute nonlymphocytic leukemia.

It was so interesting speaking and sharing Juan’s story with the listeners. Come listen to how Juan adjusted coming to Canada from Colombia with this family and how he continues to excel in this beautiful game. Juan has reached some amazing milestones so far in his young career with being selections to provincial screening in the province of Ontario and an invite to the residency intake program with the Vancouver Whitecaps of Major League Soccer.

Thank you, Juan for sharing your story. And we wish you nothing but success.

Recruiting Profile: http://www.whitecapslondon.net/view.php?player_id=109

In this episode, we speak to Chernet. We dive into learning more about him. His playing habits and his long-term goals both on and off the pitch. Chernet is one of those players that has been with our club since the inception. He's an extremely committed and very focused driven athlete. He’s serious about the game.

Recruiting  Details - http://www.whitecapslondon.net/view.php?player_id=75

Thank you for sharing your story with our listeners.

Absolutely one of the best episodes to-date in the series. Season 4 is shining with Maddie on the mic. Throughout the series. Maddie speaks on point about so many things from her soccer lifetime. She speaks with passion, excitement, and confidence. We discuss the good old days prior to the pandemic and bring it forward. She share some incredible wisdom that will benefit every youth soccer player from ages eight to…….

Thank you, Maddie, for sharing your time and story with our listeners. You were absolutely awesome.

Enjoy….

This was a Super fun episode.  We connected with Jonathan and Julian. Julian plays for our future Caps team.  It was wonderful to hear his view on soccer. We were able to speak to Jonathan about his favourite World Cup team and his love of the game. Come in and listen to this amazing father and son duo.

Looking for an inspirational story? You've found the right podcast. 

In November of 2010 Rya was diagnosed with Stage 4 Lung cancer. At the time she was 2 and a half years old. Her mom noticed she had a really bad cough so she took her to a doctor where they originally said that I had Laryngitis.

After a bit Rya cough was not going away so her mom with mother's intuition thought she needed another opinion so she took Rya to a second doctor where they told her that she need to go straight to emerge because they thought she had pneumonia.

Then at emerge they discovered Rya had a mass in her lungs. She had to go to sick kids intensive care in Toronto, where she got the biopsy. Then back to London where she started Chemo which lasted for a year. Then about 5 months later Rya got her final surgery and was declared cancer free.

Coach Matt Catalano says: Rya James recently joined the 2008 girls squad this year, and instantly fit in. Her hard work and dedication allows her to continuously show improvement each week. Rya is a multi-sport athlete who has a positive attitude and great work ethic. I am excited to work with her more and see her grow during this upcoming season!!

Thank you Rya for sharing your story with us. 

In this episode, we spend some time with Jennifer Dunn, the Executive Director of the London Abused Women's Centre. Jenn shares a little bit about her experience at the centre and what she does outside the centre.. You'll be intrigued with her hobby and what she does in her spare time outside the centre.

We explore. The value of the centre and what it means to the community and how it plays a role within our club. Come inside and learn more about the London Abuse Women Centre and its campaign named Shine the Light “End Women Abuse Campaign.”

About Jennifer Dunn

The Executive Director of the London Abused Womens Centre. An employee for twelve years.

About the Centre

The London Abused Women’s Centre is a feminist, abolitionist agency.

They provide abused and exploited women and children over the age of 12 with hope and help.

They help women and girls exploited in prostitution/sex trafficking/pornography, abused by their intimate partners, and/or subjected to sexual harassment or torture. The London Abused Women’s Centre (LAWC) also provides support and counselling to family members of women and girls who have been prostituted/sex trafficked, including women and girls who are missing or disappeared.

Contact

https://www.lawc.on.ca/

797 York Street - Unit 5

London, On N5W 6A8

Phone: 519-432-2204

Hours

Monday - Thursday 9:00am - 5:00pm

Friday 9:00am - 4:00pm

Christine Howorun Human Trafficking Series

In "Fighting Traffick," Cristina Howorun follows a group of women who are fighting to end one of the most profitable criminal industries worldwide, sex trafficking, in one of Canada's biggest hotspots of London, Ontario.

Link: https://youtu.be/UIOSXu_DrYY

23rd Annual International Woman’s Day Breakfast & Auction

Friday, March 3, 2023 at the DoubleTree by Hilton

Tickets: https://trellis.org/23rd-annual-international-womens-day-breakfast-and-auction

Speaker: Cristina Howorun

Cristina Howorun is an award-winning investigative journalist and documentary producer with CityTV. She is currently a member of the Queen’s Park press gallery and works primarily in investigative documentaries.

Howorun has covered every federal and provincial election since 2008, she’s been embedded with Canadian troops in the Mojave Desert, tracked down a suspected terrorist in Libya and exposed shocking levels of abuse and negligence in long term care homes.

More recently, she has been working in the documentary space - producing and hosting documentaries on gun smuggling, sex trafficking, Christian cults and incarcerated mothers.

Cristina has earned four Edward R. Murrow awards for investigative journalism, an RTDNA award for investigative journalism, the UNIFOR award for labour journalism and was the inaugural recipient of the Zonta Says No to Violence Against Women award, for her work in exposing sex trafficking practices along Canada’s busiest highway, a film in which LAWC was prominently featured.

To hear Cristina speak and help us celebrate women's and girls' social, economic, cultural, and political achievements please press button below.

Shine the Light All Girls Soccer Tournament.

Tournament Name - Shine the Light Girls Soccer Tournament – Hosted by Whitecaps London

Tournament Dates: June 2, 3 and 4, 2023

Application deadline: May 15, 2023

https://www.whitecapslondon.com/shine2023

Whitecaps London welcomes Coach Mher. "This was an absolutely awesome podcast learning more about Coach Mher Nahabedian. This guy is the real deal." says Abbi Lezizidis.  

Coach Mher joins us from Montreal where he held various roles within the Montreal footy community. Mher is our newly minted Skills Centre Director and coach of our U17 Boys OPDL  | U15 Boys OPDL teams.  He provides great insight to the game and has a fantastic take way.  A real genuine interview sharing his career to Whitecaps London.  Come in and listen to his exciting journey. 

_____________________________________________

Contact info:  mher @ whitecapslondon. ca

Coach Mher's Resume below.

COACHING LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS & WORKSHOPS

By the National Coaching Certification Program, Soccer Canada and the United Soccer Coaches (USC)

COACHING PROFILE

Mont-Royal Outremont Soccer Club, Canadian 3rd Division (PLSQ)

Assistant-Coach to the professional team (PLSQ) and Head-Coach of the reserve team (PLSQ-R)

Head-Coach of the men’s U21-AAA Program (LSÉQ)

Grassroots Academy Coach

LaSalle College, Head-Coach, Men’s College Soccer Program

Head-Coach, RSÉQ – College Education Sector, Division 2

Monteuil Soccer Club, Laval Regional Soccer Association

Club Technical Coach

Head-Coach, U10 Girls Division 1

Collège de Montréal, Girls’ Soccer and Futsal Programs

Head-Coach, RSÉQ – Secondary Education Sector, Division 3

Community Soccer Certifications

NCCP Multi-Sport Workshops

• Theory A – Ethics in Sport (2014)

• Theory B – Session Planning (2016)

• Coaching Athletes with a disability

Soccer Canada (Performance Profile)

• CSA C Licence (2017)

• Provincial Coaching Diploma (2018)

• CSA B1 License (2019)

• CSA B2 License (in the process)

United Soccer Coaches (US Soccer)

• Go Ahead Safely in Soccer

• Sport Psychology : Individual Mental Skills

• LGBT – Diversity & Inclusion

• Developing the 7-C’s

• Pre-National Diploma

Accomplishments

AWARDS & ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Mont-Royal Outremont Soccer Club

Quebec Premier Soccer League (Canadian 3rd Division)

2021

• 2021 Quebec Premier Soccer League Champions

• Qualification to the 2022 Canadian Championship (0-2 defeat vs Forge FC, May 11 2022)

• 2022 Quebec Cup Quarter Finalist

LaSalle College, Men’s College Soccer Program

Quebec Student Sports Federation (RSÉQ), College Soccer Division 2

2019

• Playoff Finalists

• League 3rd place finish

• Promotion to Division 1 in 2020

FC Montreal-Panellinios

Montreal-Concordia Regional Soccer Association, U13 Boys High-Performance Team

2018

• Finalists at the Ottawa Showcase of Champions

• League 3rd Place finish and Bronze Medalists

Collège de Montréal, Girls Futsal Program

Quebec Student Sports Federation (RSÉQ), Bantam and Midget Girls Regional D3

2013-2016

• 2014 Division 3 League Finalists and Silver Medalists

• Promotion to Division 2 in 2015, Relegation to Division 3 in 2016

• 2016 Division 3 Champions

FC Trois Lacs

Lac-Saint-Louis Regional Soccer Association, U14 Boys Regional D1

2014-2015

• 2014 Laval International Tournament Silver Medalists

• 2015 Île-Bizard Provincial Tournament Champions

Monteuil Soccer Club

Quebec Elite Soccer League (AAA), U15 Boys Provincial Team

2013

• 2013 Seacoast United U15 Boys Showcase Tournament Champions

Workshop Day is Aug 7, 2022

On this SPECIAL Podcast, Abbi Lezizidis speaks to Whitecaps London Coaches Mo Nabavieh and Andrew Reagan who will be lead coaches when Whitecaps London launches their Blind soccer programming. 

In this podcast Coaches Mo and Andrew share their insights about bringing Blind Soccer to London.  They share thoughts about the course and the weekend away at Lake Joseph learning in the most picturesque classroom and learning setting.  Matt Greenwood from Pickering F.C. and Charlie the head coach of France's World Cup Blind Soccer Team led the facilitation of the educational material. The course included Blind Athletes, Referees and Administrators from all over the world. Schools and Clubs were there learning together about Blind Soccer otherwise known around the world as Cécifoot. 

Soccer is for Everyone. The Beautiful Game is meant for everyone. 

_________________________________________________________________________

About the Course:

This course was part funded by the Ontario Trillium Foundation through the Ontario Parasport Collective. 

1. Establish a blind soccer course that can be developed by Canada Soccer for future delivery.

2. Train a core group of match officials to officiate at upcoming competitions

3. Train a core group of coaches that can take this training back to their home communities and start a local program.

An added bonus of this course was to bring together for the first time ever a group of blind soccer players and future coaches/administrators from across Ontario who will be able to learn and connect in a meaningful way.

The course will welcome 15 coaches, 5 match officials and 10 blind/ visually impaired players to the beautiful Lake Joseph facility owned and operated by CNIB. The location will provide an immersive environment to learn and connect with each other as we spend time on the field and in the classroom. Each day will be a blend of classroom learning and on field work and while everyone will register in the field they are comfortable with (player, coach or referee) there will be chances to switch up and experience other roles.

Other links: 

https://paralympic.ca/paralympic-sports/football-5-side

twitter: @SoccabilityC WWW.Soccability.ca

Please help us welcome Laura Gibson to the podcast.

A deep passion for so many things in her life and the how the beautiful game has played a role in so may areas

She's alway the one to find the good in people through the beautiful game.

Laura went to McGill in Montreal where she graduated with Engineering Degree and then moved to Melbourne to complete her Masters. On both occasions she represented McGill in the OUA and played in Australia with Melbourne.

Since the age of 13 she was commuting from Waterloo to play her youth soccer with North London. She was an Ontario Soccer Provincial Team player and now brings her wealth of experience to Whitecaps London and Railway City FC.

An very fun and amazing podcast with Laura. There are many lessons for young players to learn from though-out this pod.

Laura's take away is a fantastic reminder for all of us.

Thank you Laura for joining our podcast and sharing your story.

Welcoming players from across the club who play in many other sports or are involved in any other activities while playing the beautiful game with us.  

At Whitecaps London we truly understand the value of our athletes’ dreams, excitement and want to support the multi-sport athletes from around the club.

We’re here to celebrate the amazing athletes across the club who are multi-sport athletes. We’re excited to share this fantastic podcast speaking to the various athletes through out the club.

We want to THANK the families and all the players from the club who came forth to share their stories. They were fantastic.

This was awesome to host, and we will be back to do the series again.

If you would like to be featured in an upcoming Multi Sport Series Podcast, please reach out to your coach and they will connect with us.

We hope you enjoyed the next 58 minutes.

Taking Part in the Podcast.

Ivy H
Olivia R
Jaelyn C
Tayla M
Caleb R
Lauren S
Danica R

Today in our special edition podcast we were talking to Mike Ayyash Academy Centre Director about combines. Yes, the return of the Vancouver Whitecaps National Youth Combine is back. President Abbi Lezizidis has a quick chat with Mike about what it means to us as a club and what it means to the Whitecaps Organization to back together in Vancouver and everything in between. Enjoy the next 20 minutes.

Come inside and learn more about one of our dynamic defenders from the U17 Boys OPDL. A very well-spoken athlete from the club. A great storyteller and speaker. Gabriel's coach Rob Pereira says "Gabriel is a very strong leader both vocally and by example through his hard work and positive attitude.  Gabe has high end dribbling skills which is a bit unusual for a CB.  He can make different types of passes and can score off of set pieces.  Gabriel defends very well using his intelligence to put him in good positions to defend.  He is good in the air and is strong in 1 vs 1 situations." Thank you, Gabriel, for sharing your story.

We loved this interview with Alyssa. "Passionate and Confident" are two words to describe her. A strong footballer for the U17 OPDL Girls team. A very exciting time in Alyssa's life. A recent scholarship offer and acceptance to Quincy University a D2 school in the USA and finding the right fit and program. Her Coach Nicky McDonald says "Alyssa is an all-around impact player. She offers a physical presence, extremely knowledgeable and is a true leader on and off the pitch. She is a gifted athlete, and it has been an absolute pleasure watching her grow."

As amazing story of perseverance. Adam began his life in the humble beginnings of "Council Estates" housing...otherwise known as coop housing in Tottenham England. He earned his stripes as a coach under the Tottenham outreach program and coached in the Tottenham Academy. We are very thankful he met his Canadian life partner in the UK which in the end brought him to the "OTHER" London. 

Thank you, Adam, for the amazing journey you shared with us today. Enjoy!

Adam can be found on his Instagram: https://instagram.com/adam.stapleton?utm_medium=copy_link

Samantha oozes with love for the beautiful game. She is a passionate and an awesome person. She loves her teammates. Samantha shares her story about her involvement in a near tragic car accident. She discuss her rebound...her recent surgery to her hand to correct damage from the accident. She is resilient and inspiring young athlete. Her Coach David Rojas says the "Samantha is an amazing team player who is always giving her best to help the team. She plays an important role keeping the team together which made her team captain last season. Samantha is a strong centre back with a lot of power in her legs, always willing to listen to her coaches’ advice which helps her improve her game. I am very lucky to have her on the team."  Inspiring Interview. 

Parents set aside the time to listen to this Podcast with Chris & Christine Waite the parents of St. Thomas, Ontario native Sadie Waite. They discuss the good old days when Sadie was just a wee one playing the game and the years between now and then. They share their knowledge/experience of the recruitment process and Sadie's entrance to the Rex program and how the pandemic threw some curves at her regarding the possibility being placed on the U17 Canadian National Team. "This was one of the most interesting podcasts and engaging podcasts to date says Abbi Lezizidis. Sadie's parents opened up the vault with their love for their daughter, love for game and making sure to point out everyone that helped Sadie along the way."

Coach McDonald is one of the most exciting up and coming coaches in the area.  Her passion and love for the game shines through this podcast. Such a great leader and role model.  She played college soccer and brings the tenacity and experience to her teams. You'll love this interview.

About Coach Nicky McDonald:

Head Coach of Whitecaps London - U18 Girls WRSL.

Assistant Coach for our Whitecaps London - U17 OPDL Girls.

Nicole McDonald – Soccer Experience

Grew up playing soccer in London for the London Gryphons Academy

Played Varsity Soccer for 4 years at Fanshawe College

OCAA Rookie Player of the Year

Plays Women’s Premier Soccer in the summer

Coached 2008/2009 girls for 3 years starting at Marconi, then LY Whitecaps.

Coach with the Future Caps

Soccer For Life Certificate

A dynamic seventeen year old who is very clear with his surroundings, who he is and what he wants. Very well spoken and engaging. George’s Coach Rob Pereira has this to say…”George has become a dangerous #9.  He has a positive attitude and always gives 100% in training and matches.  George is good in 1vs1 situations and is also very strong playing as a back to goal striker combining with his teammates.  George has shown he can put the ball in the net by being one of the top scorers in OPDL as an 2005 this past season.” Come inside an learn a little more abut George today. 

Today we focus and learn more about Joao Duarte our Grassroot Manager - 2007G OPDL Coach. Born & Raised in Portugal he is now looking to become a Canadian Citizen. He loves the city and loves Canada. Joao has a very strong resume and has managed soccer programming in Boston, Charleston South Carolina. His first club in Canada was in London at our affiliate Byron Optimist Soccer Club.  He then returned to Portugal at the beginning of the Pandemic and now returned to his adopted country soon to be his permanent home.  Abbi Lezizidis...President of Whitecaps London says 'We are thrilled to someone with Joao's expertise and professionalism in the club. Born & raised in a Football first country can only help us continue to offer the best soccer programming London has to offer."   Thank you Joao for sharing your story. Enjoy folks. 

More on Joao...

2016 – January to June – Director of Coaching Girls and Head Coach for Global Premier Soccer Carolina, Charleston, SC and GPS NASA (U12 Girls, U13 Girls and U14 Girls and U11 Boys Elite) and also JV Boys Soccer Head Coach for Stall High School.

2016 to 2020 – Head Coach, U13-U21 Technical Director for Global Premier Soccer Canada and Byron Soccer Club (2003 Girls, 2001 Girls, 2006 Boys, 2007Girls, 2009 Girls)

2018 – November – GPS Technical Visit to Munich and FC Bayern München Academy

2019 – April – Head Coach of the U18 Boys GPS National Team which competed and won the 2ndValencia CF Elite Tournament “Diamantis Andronis” hosted in Nafplion, Greece

2020 – Enrolled into Sports Coaching, specialization in Football in Rio Maior, Portugal

2020/2021 – Assistant Technical Director and Head Coach for the UFC Almeirim in Portugal (U19 Women’s participating in the National Championship).

Qualifications:

UEFA C and Portuguese Level 1 – 2014

UEFA B and Portuguese Level 2 – 2017

Canada Learn to Train - 2017

Canada National B – 2020

Ontario Soccer Technical Director Diploma - 2021

Welcome Lily to the Podcast. A incredibly dynamic forward/striker.

She is coming off TWO amazing season at Niagara College and she's ready to make her Railway City Debut.

A strong and fast player ready for any level of competition coming her way. This pod was such an honest reflection of strength and perseverance.

Lily opens up to discuss the confidence issues and self reflects on her growth over the years.

An amazing podcast for many young players to learn from and begin to #believe just like Lily has. "It's journey."

Lily offers one the greatest take aways on record.

We're still surprised she prefers pasta over pizza after our signature Rapid Fire.

Enjoy!!!

Thanks Lily for sharing your story.

Inspiring and engaging is what describes Ioanna inside this Podcast. A very talented footballer who had stroke on the field of play in July of 2021. A huge shout out to the quick actions of many at the field and the Pediatric Critical Care Doctors at London Health Sciences Centre. Due to their knowledge and actions of performing a unique surgical application Ioanna was on the road to recovery within weeks of this life changing moment. She inspired the soccer community from all over the country. "The Pink Shirt" fundraiser was a tremendous success. Total funds raised:  $17,594.31. Thank you to everyone that supported the Pink T-Shirts, our club and Ioanna's road to recovery. 

A breakdown of donations:

Online Donations - $2,420.00

Sobey's Canada - PCCU - $5,000.00

Sobey's Canada - Vanier Crisis Management Services - $5,000.00

Pink T-Shirt - $5, 174.31

A look back at the return to play in 2021 through the lens of two parents, a player and a coach from the club. We dive into the dark early days of 2021 beginning in lockdown in Ontario to the realization that competitive soccer was going to returned to full play with limited and manageable restrictions. Our roundtable speaks for so many and delivered a strong engaging podcast. Thank you Stephen, Holly, Emma and Coach James. 

Come inside and meet Anthony Vassallo.  Our newest club coach. Anthony is our U17B OPDL Head Coach along with being our new Assistant Technical Director in support to our current Technical Direct Pedro Dias. Anthony will also be leading a new role we have created at Whitecaps London in the title of HIGH PERFORMANCE Manager.  Learn more about Anthony his role in the club inside this podcast.

Welcome to Whitecaps London Anthony!

_____________________________________________________

Press Release - August 13 - 2021

WHITECAPS LONDON WELCOMES NEW ASSISTANT TECHNICAL DIRECTOR & HIGH PERFORMANCE MANAGER ANTHONY VASSALLO

Whitecaps London are pleased to announce that Anthony Vassallo will commence his role as Assistant Technical Director and High Performance Manager starting August 16. He will also take on the head coaching role with the U17 OPDL Boys team for the remainder of this season.

‘We are thrilled Anthony is joining the club,’ says Mike Ayyash, Whitecaps FC Eastern Canada Head Coach. ‘Anthony has a great background as a high performance coach in BC and Ontario, and as a former Vancouver Whitecaps coach in our network who understands our club and coaching philosophy. He will bring a lot of experience and professionalism to the role.'

Anthony is a native of London, ON, and will join us from Ottawa South United where he has served as a technical staff coach overseeing the PLSQ Women's Team, U17 OPDL Girls team as well as assisting in the club's University program. Before joining Ottawa South United, Anthony was the head coach of Vancouver Whitecaps Okanagan Academy Centre in Kelowna, BC, as well as the head coach in the BCSPL with Thompson Okanagan FCs U17 Boys.

'I am looking forward to returning to my hometown and excited to get started with Whitecaps London,' says Anthony. ‘I am eager to start working with all the players, coaches, and staff. It has been great to see how much this club has grown over the past few years, and I hope to help add to that continued success. I am thrilled to be joining one of the top youth clubs in Canada and hope to help grow it even further.’

Prior to coaching, Anthony was a stand-out player who represented Malta internationally, and played professionally in Europe. Anthony holds his National B license, Technical Director diploma, and is currently taking his Youth license.

His new role with the club will focus on enhancing our high performance program delivery and oversight, with a special focus on helping players transition to university programs.

‘We welcome Anthony to the Whitecaps London family,’ says Whitecaps London Technical Director & Head Coach Pedro Dias. ‘Anthony’s skills and experience will be a great addition to our club and our players. We look forward to working with Anthony and continue to build great programs and develop all our players.’

Whitecaps London is also in the process of hiring a new full-time Grassroots Manager as we look to grow our technical staff.

‘We are growing as a club and we are excited to have Anthony join our technical team, as well as adding a new full-time Grassroots Manager in the near future,’ says Club President Abbi Lezizidis.



‘We have gained a valuable resource in Anthony. We welcome all his experience in best practises and applying them here as we continue to grow into the next stages of development. Anthony brings with him a deep and vast knowledge of experience in the recruitment process for post-secondary and high-performance.’

One RUN PODCAST

Come learn more about Theresa Carriere and the ONERUN Challenge. https://onerun.ca Theresa is a mother of four children has been married for thirty-one years and has twelve siblings. Theresa is cancer survivor and began the ONERUN – Eleven years ago. Today ONERUN has become a Premier fundraiser in the area that many look forward to year after year. The Pandemic did not slow down ONERUN. The Pandemic allowed ONERUN an opportunity to have people join in from every corner of the world.

Congratulations to Theresa and the ONERUN team for continuing to inspire and assist so many families affected by cancer in London and area.

This year’s ONERUN campaign begins - May 17th until June 18th, 2021. Register here for ONERUN: https://onerun.ca/100km-journey/

Here is a little more about the ONERUN fundraising month-long event. Check out the ONERUN website for ways to get involved and raise funds for Wellsprings and Childcan.

Also, learn more about the “RUNNERS OF HOPE” Theresa discusses on the pod here: https://onerun.ca/runners-of-hope/

ONERUN Announces Launch of 2021 Campaign

(London, Ontario) – In their 11th year, ONERUN is determined to continue to provide support to families affected by cancer and will launch the 100 kilometer Virtual Journey registration on April 5, 2021. ONERUN will once again run an online campaign in 2021 due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The 100 km Virtual Journey invites the community to complete 100 kms of their own from May 17 – June 18, 2021 while raising funds for those affected by cancer. Participants can walk, run, bike, rollerblade or even skateboard to complete 100 kms. The event will conclude on June 19, 2021, when ten local survivors will each run 10 km routes of their own.

All money raised will be directed to cancer support programs offered through ChildCan and Wellspring. Join ONERUN in building hope and strength in our community! For more information visit: www.onerun.ca or register at: https://raceroster.com/events/2021/34409/onerun.

IMORTANT NOTE: At the time of this recording Matt Ferreira was a former employee of Ontario Soccer holding various roles. Due to COVID he was placed on leave. Days after the recording of the podcast matt received great news that he was being hired back to be the Manager of Coach Education, Player Development & Club Licensing. A position left vacant due to the departure of Gabriel Assis heading to BC Soccer to become the Director of Operations. We wish them both tremendous successes.

Come in a little to what scouts are looking for with regards to player identification at the provincial screening level. Hear what it takes and what the key elements are. A great listen for players/families looking to hit the next level.

A little bit about Matt.

Matthew Ferreira was born & raised in Toronto, Canada to Portuguese parents who registered him to start playing soccer at the age 6 before he started coaching at 17. Went on to complete a degree in Kinesiology and travel to countries like Brazil, England, Ireland, Portugal and the United States to learn about & work in the game. Currently holds a variety of coaching badges including the UEFA A License as well as Canada Soccer's National B, Children's & Youth Licenses. Joined Ontario Soccer in 2017 as a Regional Manager and has since worked as a Provincial Coach, Scout and Coach Educator until 2020.

Thank you, Matt, for the fantastic Interview.

We explore the areas of the club and the game. Stay tuned for more PODCASTS soon. If you want to be featured, have an idea for a Podcast or want to simply provide us Feedback connect with us at: info@whitecapslondon.ca