ZINE A G A LL M A B T O E FO T I L E S A’ OTTAW 011 e-July 2 #2, Jun
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TAKE ME! Issue 2 May-June 2011 $3.95 - 11 Players Inc.
N I L CO
EST T A E R ’S G A W A T OT T TALEN
H C ZA
TAWA T O M FRO XERRE: TO AU
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an Europe Brings the game nce to experie
INO OSENT C K N FRA Italian r Ottawa pe Goalkee
UTBOL LOVE F lay
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4 8 12 14 18 26 32 38 42 44
ZACHARY SUKUNDA COLIN PHILLIPS FRANK CONSENTINO STAN LOVE FUTBOL BARCELONA & MODERN FOOTBALL THE END OF RONALDO KAYLYN KYLE FRAISER VANCOUVER WHITECAPS #2, June-July 2011 / www.11players.ca
LETTER FROM EDITOR As we gear up for the second issue of 11 Players Magazine, we bring you Ottawa’s greatest talent Colin Phillips, and sit down with Zachary Sukunda to talk about football from Ottawa to Auxerre. We highlight for every child the right to play Love Futbol unique initiative of building football fields in underdeveloped countries. With the women world cup 2011 in Germany we get personal Kaylyn Kyle and talk about football and how it is like representing Canada. We would like to thank everyone who has been involved in the magazine and we value your continue support. 11 Players Team
STAFF Editors In Chief: Joseph A Hady W Art Director: Mike Pikhota Assistant editor: Drew Cough Photographers: Sara Elizabeth Laking Numan Qardash Writers: Frank Tigani Nick Wells Drew Chaftez Contributors: Samer Edwin Julien Holdrinet
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PLAYER’S PROFILE 4 #2, June-July 2011 / www.11players.ca
Q: What is your full name, and date of birth? A: Zachary Sukunda, born June 24, 1995 Q: At what age did you start to play soccer? A: I started playing in the Kick Start program in Manotick when I was 5 years old and I never stopped. Then we moved to Brockville and we started to travel to Ottawa for training when I turned U9. I met coaches who really encouraged me along the way: Martin Noe, Rob Smith, Barry Pritchett, Kwesi Loney, Zijo Nistovic, Antony Ramel and my sports-etudes coach at Louis Riel, Joe Fournier, and my conditioning coach there, J.R. Q: What is your goal? A: To play pro? Maybe to play for a University/College through a scholarship? My goal is to become a professional player in Europe. If that does not work out, I will try to play in North America and to attend a university in the US. Q: What’s your position, and how are you effective on the field? A:I play right midfield or centre midfield. My strength I think is how I see the field, create openings and do one touch on the ball as much as possible. I do not feel that I am on the field only to score goals. In fact, that is not my strength.
Q: Who’s your favorite player? What’s your favorite team? A: Right now, I am very impressed by Lionel Messi and Samir Nasri . But I have had many different favorite players over time : Benoit Pedretti , Ronaldhino. Q: Describe your experience in Europe with AJ Auxerre [as detailed as possible - btw did you know Eric Contona was formed at that club?] A: I enjoyed every moment spent at AJA in Auxerre last summer. The training centre, the facilities, the coaching staff and my teammates were great. There is a sense of family and I was treated kindly. I did not feel bad that I was from Canada in the sense that I fit in the group. The coaches are very professional and respected by the players. But they respect us, the players, as well. I was motivated to do my very best at all times because the competition is fierce. Some days we ran 7 kms in the morning and practised for 2 hours late in the afternoon. I slept a lot in between... The training sessions are technical and always at top speed. The game is super fast and exhilarating. I loved it. The town of Auxerre loves its club too and you can tell when you walk down the street. Some great names come from Auxerre, one is Eric Cantona who started at the AJA at 15. And Cisse also.
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6 #2, June-July 2011 / www.11players.ca
TER T A M O N RE YOU WHEFROM OR ARE FIELDS YOU THE SE TRY CHOO BEST TO YOURIEVE YOUR ACHLS GOA
Q: What do you do in your free time? A: Play video games, go to the movies, hang out with your friends? In my spare time I play soccer...and then video games with my friends. We go out to the mall sometimes.
cer that we have in hockey where the road is traced for you. Here, in soccer, you have to find what suits you, what makes sense in your development. The program does not seem to be open to many different styles of players and play.
Q: What is the role of your parents in your soccer life? Are they supportive all the way? Are there any issues when it comes to playing soccer? A: My whole family is very supportive. My sister Adrienne does another sport at a high level and we encourage each other. We looked for more exposure to soccer by traveling as a family to attend training camps in California and Virginia, Toronto and Oakville. At U12 I took part in an international tournament in Dirinon, France, as a guest for the Hull Dynamos, my current team. My Dad is an 3 time Olympic fencer and he knows the work required to get to the top.so you could say he does not let me forget it. My parents have had a lot of decisions to make for me to fulfill my potential and I know that this was hard for them. Our country does not have the structure in soc-
Q: After your training experience in France, what word of advice would you give to those who seek the same opportunity as you did/ do? A: My parents always told me that I had to work hard to succeed and that I had to believe I could become a professional player in order to get there. So, I would say that no matter where you are from or the fields you choose try your best to achieve your goals. Even if that means that you have to do something different than others do. In France, they said that I was realistic and optimistic at the same time.
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PLAYER’S PROFILE
8 #2, June-July 2011 / www.11players.ca
2010
ͱͱ Ontario Youth Soccer League, team ranked #1 in Province ͱͱ Everton FC Coaching Seminars, Paul Harris
2009
ͱͱ Participated in Gothia Cup (Sweden) and Tivoli Cup (Denmark) with Dallas Texans Academy, Coach: Hassan Nazari ͱͱ ERSL Regional League Champions ͱͱ ERSL Cup Champions
2008/09
ͱͱ ERSL Indoor Champions (team high scorer) ͱͱ NCAA College Cup Showcase, Dallas Texas, Champions
2005-2006
ͱͱ U13/14 Ontario Soccer Association’s Regional Squad and Provincial program, Co-Captain, a select squad from E. Ontario training for provincial team. Coach: Mark Hearn
2003-2007
ͱͱ Nepean Hotspurs, Ontario Coach: Boris Bajagic
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10 #2, June-July 2011 / www.11players.ca
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PLAYER’S PROFILE
12 #2, June-July 2011 / www.11players.ca
Position and Number
ͱͱ Goalie, #32
Best Career Moment
ͱͱ 2010 Inter Milan winning Champions League and Fifa Club World Cup! ͱͱ 2006 Italy Winning the World Cup
Favourite players
ͱͱ Julio Cesar ͱͱ Christian Vieri
Favorite club
ͱͱ FC Inter Milan
Strength
ͱͱ Diving from post to post to make a save!
Weakness
ͱͱ Height
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PLAYER’S PROFILE
14 #2, May-June 2011 / www.11players.ca
L
ets start from the beginning. I started to play soccer in Croatia when I was 13. Before that I played daily on the pitch in the center of the neighborhood (5+1 on the concrete handball field). At 19 years old I played semi-pro 3rd Croatian division in Osijek for two years and then due to economical difficulties in the country I went to work on a Cruise ship for 4 years.I came to Canada in 1996 and decided to play soccer again in 1997.I joined Gatineau team that was currently playing in Premier division of OCSL. Since then I have played just about in every team in Ottawa region. In my opinion the soccer level in Ottawa region went down in a couple of recent years. Main reason is that Ottawa wizzards ceased to exist as a soccer club.I have practiced with them in first two years so I was able to see the improvement of the local talent. They started to play and practice on a professional level with an add on
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of professional caliber players.
IDEANOGF I D R O C E R OSTING AND PE LOCAL ON LEINS BRINGS GAME PEOPLE MOR ATCH AND TO WLSO START A NG THE PLAYI GAME 16
Even after three years of Wizzards existence when most of the current and ex players went to play in local premier division the quality of soccer in Ottawa was high.Big success of Ottawa teams in provincial and national competitions in couple of years that followed Wizzards just shows how high the quality was. In my humble opinion Ottawa needs a professional soccer club that will generate and improve local talent. That alone would open doors to a new wave of local soccer fans and investors.I think that idea of recording and posting on line local games brings more people to watch and also start playing the game. Ottawa needs a strong indoor league that should have all match reports,
statistics and highlights posted on the leagues site like they do in the other parts of the world.It would attract local marketing and also raise the level of the game.With all that you could give out higher money awards to winners. After that, same model could be followed in a less competitive leagues. Therefore Ottawa region needs more quality coaches that can teach young players the proper way to play the game of soccer instead of them learning it from youtube.There is a new wave of so called “Youtube players� that mimic the moves of the superstar players from Youtube but have no knowledge of how the game is played. Soccer is a team sport that consists of the players playing in tune with each other. Soccer is definitely not an individual game.
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s untrie o C r o l in Po l a b t o Fo
HE T S I Y T POVEBRSENCE OF A UNITIES T OPPOORDEVELOP T WN O S E N O NTS – TALE ADO, M N A E G R JO BRAZILIA T IS NOVEL
h, La El Mitc a. , Zacap Fragua ntly a Curre ctive prospe or site f project tbol. love.fú
18 #2, June-July 2011 / www.11players.ca
D L I H C Y R E V E FOR T TO
H G I R E TH
Y A L P T
he right to play might sound like a simple enough concept, but for millions of kids around the globe, playing their favorite game represents a greater challenge than you might at first realize. The world’s youth faces significant obstacles when setting out for a neighborhood game of soccer - for starters many poor kids’ neighborhoods are too often not conducive to a friendly game.
Whether the risk is crime and violence, traffic, unhealthy or unsafe conditions, or something else, a few minutes of play that should be among the most enjoyable and fundamental parts of a child’s day can turn tragic all too quickly when kids don’t have a safe environment in which to kick a ball around. In fact, two current players for the Brazilian Men’s National Team, Maicon and Michel Bastos, lost a brother to being hit by a car while playing street soccer. It was with this in mind that love.fútbol set out in 2006 on its mission to provide simple, safe and accessible places for children to play soccer. First and foremost, increasing both safety and access keeps children on the field and off the streets, but love.fútbol goes several steps further. Through a tested process, we partner with local communities to achieve the goal of neighborhood cohesion by emphasizing ownership of the project in the areas where fields are built.
s untrie o C r o l in Po l a b t o Fo
OT N S I S I TH OCCER S JUSTFAIELD, IT IS HE T G N I LIFT MUNITY COM
love.fútbol looks to make a lasting impact on the areas in which it works not by handing out physical goods, but rather by empowering communities to work together to provide themselves with a common asset around which future growth and additional community projects can be based. In that way, love.fútbol projects are a means more than an end. The love.fútbol team sees a completed project as a platform for future community development. A significant community achievement, like building a new soccer pitch together, unifies local leadership and generates
momentum that can be rechanneled toward new endeavors. “This is not just a soccer field, it is lifting the community.” – says Community member from Villa Nueva, Guatemala Since 2006, love.fútbol has successfully executed seven projects throughout Guatemala where thousands of at-risk youth now play. The cooperative spirit inherent in building a place for kids to play has brought together diverse communities across the country’s varying geography, mobilizing youth and older generations nationwide while
20 #2, June-July 2011 / www.11players.ca
providing an end product of finished fields that will last well into future generations. These fields are not only a valuable playing surface but also a tangible symbol and reminder of what community leadership and unity can achieve. Currently, love.fútbol’s work continues as it progresses on its eighth project in the community of San Antonio Palopó, on the shores of Lake Atitlan in the Central highlands of Guatemala. This area suffered serious damage during the intense rainy season of 2010, leading to landslides that caused a number of casualties, and left the town cut off from
the outside world. With immediate relief work having taken place, the onus now falls on longer-term planning and community empowerment. That’s just where love.fútbol comes in. love. fútbol’s core competency is community mobilization – the main vehicle for empowerment as described in our mission. By engaging the holistic involvement of multiple community constituencies including local government, the school, the soccer community, parents (mothers and fathers), and youth, love.fútbol is well on its way to completing the field in San Antonio Palopó.
ject in 3rd pro g s l’ o b t e.fú Durin n of lov emala. Locatio Atitlan, Guat roject, a p go Santia ruction of this led by a car t il s k n d o n c a d. the was hit next to a roa d il h c l r e c t c loca n o e laying s nate ev while p mely unfortu r safe and fo tre This ex ates the need r t s n . o dem to play places simple
s untrie o C r o l in Po l a b t o Fo
ration inaugu e h t g in econd : Dur ABOVE ve.fútbol’s s as – an f lo Alt game o Las Canoas mmunity. in co , project s Guatemala alized u re o indigen l’s mission is on a o b ing t love.fú dren are play il h when c l field. bo t ú f . e lov spects atest a e r g e h t r l socce One of RIGHT: ed love.fútbo ence rg ish of a fin e organic eme nity u h t m field is t soccer com love. s h u g b of a ro e field. Thou er, every th cc around sn’t teach so crease e o n d n a in fútbol has see s, games and y it n u comm lly rs, team l playe hus organica a c lo in t – . game ments tourna he beautiful t g growin
22 #2, June-July 2011 / www.11players.ca
hout throug e it s n e mo ying th oo-com An all-t – children pla an-beautiful th rld the wo game in less- ission is l u sm beautif s. love.fúbol’ le soccer n p conditio safe and sim n fulfill their e a c id v n o e r r d to p ere chil . h w s e e pitch e gam n for th passio in l roject, s 5th p ala. love.fúbo l’ o b ú f . m a t ) t love a f cha, Gu arcia (le Cangua ative Cesár G the local of nt represe ith members w g in work nity. commu “We are the global soccer-passionate community united in an effort to provide youth the right to soccer. Through this game, we are connected.” Going forward, love.fútbol hopes to more fully engage a vital constituency -- those who love the game in the U.S. and worldwide, and are in a position to help the communities in which love.fútbol works. Through love.fútbol for All, a grassroots movement designed to link interested
s untrie o C r o l in Po l a b t o Fo med boy na d love. n la a Guatem finishe Young playing on a titlan. A o Santiag in Santiago alized ld re e fútbol fi l’s mission is on a o ing tb love.fú dren are play hil when c l field. bo t ú f . love
24 #2, June-July 2011 / www.11players.ca
OL B T Ú F . E LOV FOUNDED WAS ASSION ON P teams, schools and soccer-passionate individuals with specific communities in need of a place to play, love. fútbol is looking to bring on board “ambassadors” of like-minded individuals to help us recruit teams and schools to take collective ownership over this mission. With immediate plans to expand the project to neighboring Honduras, and the groundwork laid to move into other countries around Latin America by 2012, we are using the approaching 2014 World Cup in Brazil as a beacon. As we continue to expand, building not only fields, but also bridges designed to bring the right to play to kids around the world, it is important to remember that love.fútbol was founded on passion—a human right that cannot be owned or denied. The global soccer community understands this passion as undeniable to anyone and our shared love and appreciation for the game unites us. This is the fundamental premise to love.fútbol – a global homage and pledge of solidarity to ensure the universal right to soccer. We are a movement by and for the global soccer community. If you would like to become an ambassador for love.fútbol for All, or involve your school or team in giving back to the game, please contact the Director of love.fútbol for All, Mano Silva at mano@lovefutbol.org.
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A N O L E C R A B N R E D MO
L L A B FOOT
F
ootball is big business these days. Though the money spent in football may not compare to the vast sums that change hands in genuine big
businesses
around the world, football spending has eclipsed its previous highs. And the numbers keep going up. Money is pumped into top leagues from all corners of the globe and by various
26
types of investors, from Indian BBQ Chicken magnates to LeBron James.
#2, June-July 2011 / www.11players.ca
As a consequence, the pressure to
priority to have fast and strong play-
win has grown considerably.
ers rather than nimble and technically capable players, Barcelona shines.
This increasing need for results, for
Barcelona have re-introduced a
the instant success demanded by
brand of football that may alter the
billionaire club owners has led to
negative football trend.
the desire to win outweighing the desire to play attractive football.
It’s hard not to admit that the way
One only need watch a Manchester
Barcelona have played their football
City game for proof that the trend in
in the last few years is something to
modern football is the increasing
marvel at and something to aspire to.
tendency for teams to play negative
Because, simply put, this is football at
or reactive football. The pressure on
its perfect, flowing best. The Catalan
managers to deliver results plays a
side play a game based on posses-
part in this growing tendency.
sion, creating space, and patience, and their style relies on the players
Think of Italy’s Serie A. Here is a league that is dominated by the need for results above all else. Consequently, Italian football is not known for being attractive. Yet, this philosophy – results above style – has permeated the football world. Today, that typically Italian approach to play not to lose dominates in all of the major leagues in Europe. But one beautiful element of football is that there remain many ways to play the game and that beauty can be found in all football’s styles. Just as there is joy in seeing a team play twenty passes before opening up
RD IT A H S I IT TO ADM NOT THE WAY THAT ELONA BARC PLAYED L HAVER FOOTBAL THEI E LAST IN THYEARS IS FEWETHING SOM ARVEL, TO METHING TO SOMIRE TO ASP
possessing an exceptional level of technical ability across the park, from centre half to centre forward. Crucially, what enables Barcelona to play like no other team is that all their players, at least the core of the team, have grown up being taught the same football philosophy – a philosophy that many thought to have long been lost. Former Barcelona youth coach Albert Capellas summarized the philosophy in a few sentences: “When they play matches, we impress on the boys three objectives. Firstly,
space for an exquisite final pass to
they must be the more sporting
score, there is also pleasure joy in
team, committing fewer fouls and
seeing a side play a perfect defensive
being less aggressive. Then they
game only to counterattack in devas-
must try to win playing very well,
tating fashion and score against the
more creatively than the opposi-
run of play. It is all a matter of opinion.
tion, with attacking football. Finally,
Against the footballing landscape of the past few years, with the dominance of negative football and the
they need to win on the scoreboard. But we don’t want to win without the first two objectives being fulfilled.”
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TOTAL FOOTBALL
Amsterdam to the Catalan capital.
The term “total football” was first
Both would have a profound influ-
coined during the 1970s, when
ence on Barcelona and Spanish
Dutch side Ajax dominated Europe
football for years to come.
while exhibiting a system of play that was football’s equivalent of a
A N O L E C BAR N THAT SHOW OF D N A R THEIROBOTBALL IS F HIGHLY ND A E V I T EFFEECRTAINING ENT T THE SAME A TIME
political revolution. Ajax, along with Holland’s national team, introduced this system to the world, but the system has been reborn at Barcelona and even exhibited by the Spanish national squad. Barry Hulshoff, an Ajax defender from the total football era, described the style of play as “making space, coming into space, and organising space-like architecture on the football pitch.”
Cruyff, who both played for and managed Barcelona, was influential in the establishment of La Masia, Barcelona’s
youth-development
academy. La Masia has produced the current crop of Barcelona stars and world beaters. The Dutch invented total football, but it will be the Spanish (or rather the Catalans) who are remembered for bringing total football into the mainstream. Both Spain and Barcelona have enjoyed unparalleled success using this system in a time
The Ajax team of the early 1970s en-
when football reaches more view-
joyed great success at the highest
ers, internationally, than ever be-
levels of the sport, but their loss in
fore. And, crucially, at a time when
the early rounds of the 1973-74 Eu-
football seemed destined to be-
ropean Cup against a modest CSKA
come a sport dominated by strong,
Sofia side is widely regarded as the
physical, and fast players deployed
first stage of the decline of total The
to play negative tactics. Against this
loss by the Dutch national side in
background, the success of Barce-
two consecutive World cup finals
lona and Spain is even more sig-
during the 1970s seemed to close
nificant.
the total football book. But total football was only put aside, not finished. Two Dutch masters of this era are responsible for taking total football from the lowlands of the Netherlands to the sunny terrain of Catalonia, where total football grew quietly and renewed its ranks. Rinus Michels, Ajax’s coach during
28
their glory days of the early 70s, and
HISTORY NEARLY REPEATS Barcelona and Spain’s successes have proven that victory – even in modern football –can be and is best achieved by slight, nimble players who have exceptional technical ability and who use their brains rather than their collective brawn to win matches.
Johan Cruyff, a star of both Ajax and
Indeed, the manner in which Spain
Holland squads, both moved from
and Barcelona have romped to suc#2, June-July 2011 / www.11players.ca
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cess after success in the last few
THE VIABILITY OF YOUTH
years has been remarkable. Op-
Barcelona and their many Spanish
posing sides have simply failed
internationals have significantly al-
to match them. The core of Barce-
tered the modern trend of football.
lona’s all-conquering stars make
They’ve overcome reactive forma-
up a large part of the Spanish na-
tions and tactics by using tech-
tional side and this group of play-
nique, passing, possession, and
ers has a technical proficiency that
attacking verve. This development
is unmatched by most teams today.
has come at a critical time in foot-
Many opponents are left with only
ball history. Billionaire club owners
one option: to play more negative
may think they can buy both win-
football in an attempt to negate
ning and entertaining football off
their opponents play rather than
the shelf, but the reality is quite
playing their own football.
different. That winning football can
This works better for some teams than others, and success against Barcelona depends on dedication
ning and entertaining football must be grown is good news for football.
to a team defence and to other,
Not only have Barcelona shown that
more subversive details. The only
their brand of football is highly ef-
way Inter Milan were able to navi-
fective and entertaining at the same
gate their way past Barcelona in last
time. They’ve also shown that the
season’s Champions League was to
best place to start is at the youth level.
expand their negative football by adding cynicism and unsportsmanlike behaviour. Still, Inter needed a significant amount of luck to get past Barcelona and to make their way to the final.
30
be bought is certainly true; that win-
The core of Barcelona’s players – Carles Puyol, Gerard Pique, Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Sergio Busquets and even Lionel Messi – have all played together since a very young age. They were all developed to-
It was much the same affair in 2010’s
gether at La Masia, where they
World Cup Final. Spain, like Barcelo-
honed their technical skills and
na against Inter, were a technically
were instilled with the philosophy
superior team to the Dutch, and for
that Barcelona and Spain exhibit
this reason Holland resorted to the
today with ruthless yet pleasurable
same cynical and negative tactics
effectiveness. Barcelona’s success
that Inter had shown in the Cham-
is a healthy injection of footballing
pion’s League semi final. Holland
purity into a game that is becoming
were – thankfully – unsuccessful,
increasingly impure.
though only just. A Dutch victory would have undone much of the advancements of total football.
Today Barcelona are ranked second in Deloittes Football rich list. They
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tion oto cap h p a This is
Today, so many clubs are running at a financial deficit. Roughly 60 per
Y TO A W T S THE BLEOP SUCH AT DEVE IS TO STAR TEAMTHE YOUTH AT LEVEL
also play the best football on the
cent of all clubs across Europe, in-
globe with a team they nurtured
cluding major ones like Manchester
from the grassroots level up. Their
United, Milan, and Chelsea, oper-
success sets a good example for the
ate at yearly losses. Using players
rest. The lesson for billionaire own-
that have been developed internally
ers who know little about the game
saves money immediately – a team’s
is that if they want their team to play
starting 11 doesn’t need to come
like Barcelona, they are better off
from other teams, but can come
throwing the money into youth acad-
mostly from within. This method of
emies that at spoilt, overpaid stars.
development is mostly free from big
If players were nurtured in a wellorganized youth system, football would be blessed with more players
transfer price tags but also comes with the bonus of a consistent and positive football philosophy.
like Xavi, Andres Iniesta, and Lionel
The legacy of the current Barcelona
Messi. There would be more Barce-
side cannot be understated. They
lonas in the world and football in
are a champion team full of cham-
general would be a better game for
pion players. This is a rare mix, as
it. Hopefully clubs will take this di-
usually only one of the two is possi-
rection now, having seen what can
ble, but Barcelona have shown the
be done at Barcelona. If more of the
football world that success can be
money that is being poured into the
attained playing beautiful football.
game went to producing new talent,
They’ve also shown that in order to
it would not only ensure better foot-
play the best football, it is best to
ball on the pitch but would help en-
start with a group of talented play-
sure the financial viability of clubs
ers at a young age and nurture them
and the game in general.
to become the stars of tomorrow.
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THE
D N E O D L A N O R T A E R G A F O
T
he year is 1997. A 17-year-old for Barcelona FC is making waves across the footballing world, booting home 47 goals in just 49 games, leading Barcelona to triumph in the Cup Winners Cup and the Copa del Rey. On Monday the 14th of February, 2011 – a mere 14 years later –
arguably the greatest striker of all time called it a day. Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima ended a career that was highlight with incredible triumph and success but chequered, too, with mystery and misfortune. If anyone was unaware of Ronaldo’s rising star after his first season at Barcelona, soon it would become an unavoidable truth. His solo wonder goal
32
against Compostela was breathtaking. Deservingly, it was replayed time and again the world over. The phenomenon had arrived.
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OnLin eR Now egistr Ope ation n
Make the Nepean Hotspurs Soccer Club your choice in 2011! The Hotspurs are pleased to offer programs for all ages and skill levels. For more information phone 613.723.5762, email info@hotspurs.on.ca visit our website at www.hotspurs.on.ca or drop into the club house, Unit 6, 200 Colonnade Road (South)
The Nepean Hotspurs Soccer Club 1970 – 2011 41 Years of Community Service
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At the time of Ronaldo’s rise, Italy’s
the field with a ruptured knee tendon.
Serie A attracted the world’s best
Most heartbreakingly, in his return to
players. Already considered the
action in a Coppa Italia tie in 2000,
world’s best player after collecting
Ronaldo lasted seven minutes before
the FIFA World Player of the Year,
he damaged the same knee in an in-
Ronaldo was soon on his way to
jury that threatened to completely
Italy to play for Inter Milan after just
end his career. The sight of Ronaldo
one glorious season in Catalunya.
collapsing to the ground at Rome’s
Ronaldo’s star continued to rise in his maiden season at Inter. His performances and goals earned him a second consecutive FIFA World Play-
DO RONACLTED COLLMEAJOR EVERDYIVIDUAL IN RD TO AWA . THE BE WEOSNT ONE GREAFTALL, THE O RLD O W A FIF AYER OF PL AR, HE D IT THE YLE E T C E COL EE TIMES. THR
spair around the globe. Fans were left to wonder whether he would ever recover – and for many, he never did.
er of the Year Award in addition to
Ronaldo would only make ten more
the Ballon D’Or. Italian gave him the
appearance for Inter over the next
name il fenomeno, and it seemed
two seasons as he underwent an-
that the sky was the limit.
other operation and months of re-
But then signs of the mystery that would surround Ronaldo’s career began to show. He was omitted from Brazil’s line up prior to the World Cup final in France, only to be reinstated mere minutes before kickoff. There’s still some question about exactly what happened; some reports indicate that he suffered a seizure, but without concrete evidence it’s difficult to say. Zinedine Zidane went on to lead France to an unlikely World
habilitation in an attempt to revive his flagging career. THE RETURN It was in the most emphatic fashion that Ronaldo returned to football. It was in South Korea and Japan, the 2002 World Cup, where he would once again establish himself as one of the game’s greats by leading Brazil to an unprecedented fifth world cup triumph.
Cup triumph while Ronaldo, who
Scoring in every game except
probably shouldn’t have been on the
against England in the quarter fi-
pitch given his state, was a ghost on
nals, Ronaldo would collect a total
the pitch. This was the start of a trou-
of eight goals to equal the record of
blesome period for the two-time FIFA
no other than Pele himself. He was
World Player of the Year.
the tournament’s top goal scorer.
It wasn’t long after Ronaldo returning
34
Olimpico stadium left football in de-
Again, Ronaldo’s star was shining.
to Inter that he suffered an injury that
Ronaldo’s feats in the Far East were
would force him out of football for six
recognised when he was named
months. During a match with Lecce
FIFA World Player of the Year for
on November 21, 1999, he limped off
third time. Apart from Zidane, who
#2, June-July 2011 / www.11players.ca
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would become his team mate at Real Madrid, no other player has claimed the award three times. Ronaldo also picked up the Ballon D’Or in the same year along with a host of other individual honors.
continued to score goals and break records, both at club and international level. Yet, his was a career undermined by misfortune. For this reason, one cannot help but think
dry up in the following years as Ron-
what might have been. Had he not
aldo’s career failed to again reach the
suffered so much injury, had he not
heights of South Korea and Japan.
been forced from the game for an
ploits, Ronaldo became part of the famous Galacticos era at Real Madrid. In a project conducted by President Florentino Perez, the world’s best players were brought to the Spanish capital in the club’s attempt to revive the glory days of yesteryear. Ronaldo did play his part in some respect. He scored goals, claimed the Pichichi, the top goal scorer in the 2003-04 season, and did so with consistency. Yet, in all truth,
accumulative three seasons during his career, had he kept himself in good physical shape, who knows what he may have achieved? Ronaldo was a player of unlimited potential, but sadly, much of it will remain unfulfilled. The absolutely astonishing fact of the matter is that despite everything, to many he will become to be regarded as the best player of all time. And this would be hard to argue against.
the Galacticos project failed to ful-
In total, Ronaldo made 512 club ap-
fil its potential and Ronaldo too,
pearances, scoring 352 goals for an
never quite performed at the level
incredible scoring ratio of 0.683. At
to which he could of.
international level, his scoring ratio
The remainder of Ronaldo’s career continued on in much the same
was slightly lower, but still equally impressive at 0.639.
vein. Injury, weight problems and
Ronaldo collected every major indi-
mysterious absences from the game
vidual award to be won. The greatest
would increasingly plague him until
one of all, the FIFA World Player of the
his final days in his native Brazil.
Year, he collected it three times.
His last appearance for Brazil at the 2006 World Cup encapsulated this. Overweight, Ronaldo was jeered
36
Even when not at his best Ronaldo
But, the personal accolades would
Upon return from his World Cup ex-
HAT T L L A FOR GAVE TO HE L, FOR L ES A B T O O F THE TIM ALL SSED THE E HE BLOERLD GAMG W N TAKIN WHE HE PITCH, TO T NALDO’S RO RTURE DEPA TBALL OO NOT F M O R F WAS THE IN FITTINLGIGHTEST S
time world cup leading goal scorer.
by his own supporters, yet, he managed to score three goals that would enable him to become the all
Ronaldo was clinical, direct, fast and powerful. Yet, he was also a great player of the ball, able to provide assists for his team mates. From the dead ball, he was equally
#2, June-July 2011 / www.11players.ca
CLUBS ͱͱ 515 ͱͱ 352 ͱͱ 0.683
NATIONAL TEAM ͱͱ 97 ͱͱ 62 ͱͱ 0.639
FACTS QUICK ͱͱ Ronaldo was in thrall to the sycophancy of the club president Andres Sanchez, who took him out to nightclubs and afforded him rest days when no other player was permitted them ͱͱ There were reports of liposuction and the once lightning fast forward had recently taken to wearing special socks to combat the effects of varicose veins. ͱͱ Fifa World Player of the Year in 1996, 1997 and 2002.
ption hoto ca p a is This goat
for
the team’s early elimias deadly as he was in open play. He was a complete striker in every sense. Before him, there never was a player like him. Now, it remains to be seen if there ever will be another like him. He was the greatest. For all that he gave to football, for all the times he blessed the world game when taking to the pitch, Ronaldo’s departure from football was not fitting in the slightest. Instead, it was almost ignominious.
nation from the Copa Libertadores. His love for the night life, ever so enticed by Corinthians President Andres Sanchez, strained relations with not just his fans, but certainly with the team and his manager too. It was a bitter end to an extraordinary career but one that was due in any case. In a career characterised by physical limitations that many times proved too much, in a sadly ironic way, Ronaldo’s last words describe as much, “I want to stay but I can’t. I think of a move but I can’t perform it
Dreadfully overweight, he was la-
as I want to. It’s time. My body aches.
belled a ‘fatty’ by his Corinthian
The head wants to continue but the
fans and he was made the scape-
body can’t take any more.”
ͱͱ 15 goals at three World Cups. ͱͱ Mystery surrounded the match as Ronaldo’s name was left off the teamsheet when it was issued 72 minutes before kick-off, only for an amended version to appear in time for the start of the game amid rumours of panic attacks and a dispute within the Brazilian camp ͱͱ 2002 World Cup Ronaldo was at his imperious best, scoring in every game in Japan and South Korea, bar the 2-1 quarter-final victory over England. ͱͱ Ballon D’or: 1997, 2002
l a Loca w a t t O
E L Y K N Y L Y KA MANY R E G 011 IN
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aylyn Kyle is emerging as the face of a new generation of top female women’s soccer players in Canada. Kyle is not just another pretty face (i.e. Anna Kournikova), she is also a one of the top players in her sport, at a very young age, and mature beyond her years. A member of Canada’s recent CONCACAF Championship winning National Team, Kaylyn will be a key player in next year’s Women’s World Cup in Germany (June 26 - July 17). Only in her early 20’s, Kyle has potential to be a National Brand in Canada as she ticks all the key boxes companies are looking for in athlete relationships. Marketability / Attractiveness: her long blond hair and good looks will certainly stand out to consumers and will have a positive impact on any brand. She would be attractive to the target audience in all aspects including: physical appearance, intellectual capabilities, athletic competence, and lifestyle.
Timing: Kyle is the emerging star in soccer in Canada and has the personality and athletic ability to be the face of Women’s soccer in Canada for the next decade. As a starting player on the National Team, Kyle will receive allot of attention for her play and attractiveness and will be profiled allot by most mediums in Canada. Brands interested in aligning will Kyle will be able to get in on the ground floor when her star is rising and build equity over her career to ensure win-win situation for her and the brands she endorses.
Name
ͱͱ Kaylyn Kyle
League
ͱͱ W League and Canadian National Team
Age
ͱͱ 22 (6/10/1988)
Position
ͱͱ Midfielder
Unique Fashion Icon: Kyle is a very fashion conscious individual and is not afraid to try new things in terms of her appearance. She shops at the top brands for her age demographic and always maintains an appropriate public appearance. Outgoing personality: Kyle is from Saskatoon, Sask and is very extroverted individual. She is at her best meeting new people and is very comfortable speaking in front of large crowds.
38 #2, June-July 2011 / www.11players.ca
SA KYLE IIO N H S A F VERYONSCIOUS C AL AND U INDIVTIDAFRAID TO S IS NONEW THINGR TRY RMS OF HEE. IN TEPPEARANC A
Talent n a i d Cana
Credibility: Kyle is a very positive person with a grounded lifestyle that is “Truly Canadian”, hence she will be perceived as a positive image in society and trustworthy by consumers. This will act as an external cue that would enable consumers to sift through the tremendous brand clutter in the market and become accepted by consumers. It’s a World CUP year: 2011 represents the year for the Women’s World Cup in Germany, where the entire world will be focus on Women’s Soccer. Canada has qualified. Kyle will receive a large amount of attention and exposure as the new face of Women’s Soccer – attracting the attention from young female soccer players, their families, consumers, soccer fans, media, etc.
40 #2, June-July 2011 / www.11players.ca
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apital City FC of Ottawa officially joined the Canadian Soccer League in March, 2011. Their season started in May, 2011 and as of June 15 the City Boys (4-1-0) have won four straight matches. The mission of Capital City FC is to bring a high calibre of professional soccer along with a traditional soccer experience that appeals to the diverse population of Ottawa. Through the guidance of head coach and technical director Shaun Harris, the team focuses on playing a true-team game involving all 11 players on the pitch. “We will help to change the standard by adding a professional element to soccer here in Ottawa, an organization at the very top of the
pyramid for players and fans here in the nation’s capital,” he says. Harris adds that he wants to bring a professional style to the city. “We want to play the game the right way, a team effort back to front on the pitch that is attractive and enjoyable to support,” he says. “We want to make Capital City, Ottawa’s team of choice in professional soccer with something for everyone and we look to be involved to help the whole of soccer develop within the entire region.” Capital City’s roster boasts a collection of both local and international talent. It has Canadian players who have experience on Canada’s youth national teams and Olympic team. More than half of its roster competed in NCAA/NAIA collegiate soccer in the US. Also, The players represent
the diverse culture of Ottawa as Capital City boasts players from 12 different countries. Fans can follow Capital City FC on Twitter, Facebook and Youtube. Capital City is looking to drive those who are passionate about soccer to join Ottawa’s first professional soccer supporters group. Supporters can go to www.capitalcityfc. com and click on the supporters link to find or submit their info to get involved. For information on the team go to www. CapitalCityFC.com, where Season/Group/ Youth match packages are available. Contact our staff at brian.heffernan@ capitalcityfc.com or on Facebook at (CapitalCityFC), on Twitter (@capitalcityfc) and/or subscribe to CapitalCityFC on its Youtube page where you can see special features and highlights throughout the 2011 inaugural season.
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R E V U O C N A V ITECAPS WH 46 #2, May-June 2011 / www.11players.ca
W
elcome to the club, Vancouver Whitecaps. The Whitecaps are the newest Canadian members of Major League Soccer and a sign of things to come for football in Canada. The team has thrived in the United Soccer League and deserve a chance to show their skills in North America’s biggest league. From the late 1960s to the mid 1980s, professional soccer game in North America was dominated by the North American Soccer League (NASL), but the league folded due to financial issues and a declining fan base. The MLS’ foray in the developing market of Canada shows a new determination to see football succeed in Canada. In a league littered with aging European superstars and North American up and comers, what does this new team, and Toronto FC (commonly known as TFC), signal about the game’s development in Canada? Soccer has been predominant in what could be called “multicultural” Canadian cities. These cities, such as Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver are rife with ex-Europeans,
South Americans and a whole host of fans who have brought over their love for the game. “I think you can see the passion Canada has for soccer when the World Cup rolls around every year and the amount of passion generated across the country.” said Bob Lenarduzzi, president of the Whitecaps and a former player. He sees both TFC and the Whitecaps giving a “Canadian context to soccer” and encouraging the development of the sport in Canada. “I think what we did was gather fans and give them a local team that they could enjoy” said Cesar Velasco, director of marketing, communication and game operations at Toronto. Both teams are encouraging a grassroots approach in an effort to develop Canadian youth players. TFC is a bit of a different matter, having been a completely new entity when created. That has not deterred Toronto in their creation of a youth academy. Their academy caters to 15 to 16 year olds and seeks to show teens what the professional life of a footballer requires. They do schoolwork, train and play games on a weekly basis.
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ING M O C E IT’S BORITY FOR A PRIS AND IT’S U NG WE HI ING T E M O S RK G O W E R A VELOPIN E E CAN ON DS O W EST HE BERS T E V A H PLAY
“In our first three years we had two players come through and join our first team,” said Cesar Velasco, director of marketing, communication and game operations at Toronto F.C. “We’re also hoping that two to three more will join next year.” Lenarduzzi also acknowledged his club’s burgeoning focus on youth in the surrounding area. “It’s becoming a priority for us and it’s something we are working on developing so we can have the best players” Lenarduzzi said. The Whitecaps are in the process of formalizing their scouting network to fit with the rigours and standards of the MLS. To emphasize the national awareness, the CBC will be showing one Canadian MLS game a week throughout the season. This will ensure that games are seen around
Canada, drumming up interest in cities that lack a professional team. TFC and Whitecaps games are consistently sold out and both have a strong supporter base. “We have close contact with our fans,” said Velasco, “Our support and our fans have not been fabricated by the club. Their passion is real.” With soccer starting to finally have a hold on North American audiences, what’s next for Canadian soccer? Montreal will join the MLS fold in 2012. The impact of the MLS on the Canadian cities it’s expanded into has been immediate and impressive. Whether this passion spreads across Canada remains to be seen. Vancouver’s, Toronto’s, and eventually Montreal’s success could help determine what role football has to play in Canada and see if football is really here to stay.
48 #2, June-July 2011 / www.11players.ca