Newton hosts national soccer championships for U15 club teams

Some of Canada’s top U15 club soccer teams came to Surrey last week for two national championship tournaments. Twenty-four teams—12 in the boys’ division and 12 in the girls’—played at Newton Athletic Park, mostly in sunny weather. Games began Wednesday, Oct. 7, and continued through Thanksgiving Monday. The boys’ final began at 10 a.m. and the girls’ final at 12:30 p.m.; both were played on field 1 at the park on 128 Street.

Surrey FC executive director Sarb Lidder said this was the first year a national championship had been held for this age group, making it a new experience for many players. Surrey FC hosted the national tournament for the third time. Lidder said provinces other than Alberta, B.C., Quebec and Ontario sent their top-tier teams. Those four provinces sent second-tier teams because their top-tier teams compete in the Player Development Program (PDP) championships in August, a different level of competition.

Quebec’s AS Blainville beat Scarborough GS Yellow 2-1 in the boys’ final. In the girls’ final, CS Mistral Sherbrooke lost 2-0 to London Alliance FC. Surrey FC and teams from Okanagan represented B.C. in the boys’ division; Langley United and North Shore were in the girls’ division. All games were streamed on Canada Soccer’s YouTube channel, and schedules were posted on canadasoccer.com.

In a pre-tournament phone interview, Lidder said Surrey was becoming known as a strong host. He called the facilities world-class and said U15 players, coaches and parents arriving at Newton Athletic Park were amazed by the range of services available in one place. He also praised Surrey FC’s staff and volunteers for putting considerable effort into the tournaments, adding that the club was well recognized.

Sixteen provincial representative teams stayed at Sheraton Vancouver Guildford Hotel, and four stayed at the new Homewood Suites Surrey on King George Boulevard near the hospital. Lidder said U15 players travelled with their parents and families because they do not travel alone. Restaurants were crowded, and Surrey hotels were nearly full that weekend, making rooms difficult to find.

On Wednesday, Oct. 7, organizers held a banquet for all players and officials for the first time. About 600 players and officials attended at the Grand Empire in Surrey. Lidder described it as a great event, saying Whitecaps player Jeevan Badwal was the guest speaker. The event showcased Surrey and included entertainers and a meal that players enjoyed. Adult and U17 national soccer championships were also held in Ottawa and St. John’s last week.