Phoenix boys burn through opposition

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This article was published 03/09/2015 (3931 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Rising from the ashes of a disappointing 2014 season, the Phoenix FC U16 boys recently captured the 2015 Manitoba Soccer Association Cup.

After waiting through torrential rain, and eventually relocating to an indoor soccer pitch, the Phoenix team beat out rivals Bonivital 1-0 on Aug. 22.

“It came down to a change in mentality, commitment and culture,” said coach Marcello Paolucci of the success his team has achieved this season. “I don’t think there was a talent discrepancy from one year to the next. The boys were just extremely committed.”

Last season, Paolucci said the U16 team had a disappointing record, placing at the bottom of the league. However, following a winter of intensive training and rigourous indoor practice and playing, the Phoenix squad took to the outdoor field in the spring with the MSA Cup as their ultimate objective.

“We set up a lot of exhibition games against men’s teams, which put them out of their element,” Paolucci said. “We noticed last summer that the boys weren’t as strong as their opponents. So over the winter some boys really increased their muscle mass.”

The team also picked up a couple key players.

“Alec Halket and Kieran Baydock came in on open transfers,” Paolucci added.

But there were still a few of roadblocks along the way to the provincial championship.
“We were left with a problem in the spring,” Paolucci recalled. “We were left with no goalkeeper.”

Despite the uncertain start, Remy Pellerin and Jordan Zolinski stepped in to mind the net. Paolucci also noted that for a number of the U16 Phoenix boys, this season marked their first playing organized soccer.

“One boy in particular, Charles Kaniki, from Congo, he showed up in the fall in shorts. It was one or two degrees, blowing wind,” Paolucci recalled. “Here’s a boy who’s only been in Canada a short time, with his mother and four siblings. This is going to be one of his first opportunities to see the country and travel. It’s been a real journey not just for him, but the rest of the boys as well.”

Paolucci said that one of the most outstanding things about this year’s squad has been the way the team came together as a unit.

“They really came together,” he said. “It couldn’t be a nicer group of kids to work with, who couldn’t deserve it more.”

With the MSA Cup behind them, the U16 Phoenix boys team are now focused on preparing for nationals, which take place in Surrey, B.C. from Oct. 6 to 12.

“There will be playoffs within the league,” Paolucci said. “We’ll set up several exhibition games, and keep working on our fitness.”

On top of that, the team will need to fundraise in order to make it out to the coast.

“Right now, parents have met, and we’re looking at options,” Paolucci said. “We’re very fortunate that Winnipeg Youth Soccer is kicking in $2,000 towards travelling. And there has been some interest in donations. It’s been great, resounding support.”

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