OSU Force Academy Zone: OSU League 1 squad links local players to next level

–By Ottawa South United Force Academy

The Ottawa South United Force League 1 Ontario team continues to provide exceptional opportunities for player advancement into the university and professional ranks, as well as call-up experience for our club’s young talents.

The OSU League 1 team sits middle of the table with by far the youngest team in the league. With OSU being the only League 1 Ontario franchise in Ottawa, we aim to provide the complete player pyramid for aspiring local players. Recent highlights include:

Dario Conte going on trial with Palloseura Kemi Kings of the Finland 1st division (Ykkönen). Dario has been a lifelong OSU player starting at the young age of 7. He was a member of our highly successful ’97 Boys Force, along with call-ups to youth national team camps and Vancouver Whitecaps Residency program.

Ian Kerr signing with the University of Western Ontario Mustangs. Ian has been with OSU since U3 and joined the Force Academy at U9. During his time in the program, he has been a provincial champion as well as a Quebec-Ontario Cup winner. Ian also has the opportunity through the Dallas Texans to guest play at the San Marino Cup & Gothia Cup. He will be majoring in Business, with a specialization in Accounting.

Aiden Tuck committing to the UBC Thunderbirds. Aiden joined the OSU program to take another step in his soccer journey. He will be majoring in Human Kinetics while at the University of British Columbia.

Silvio Simil committing to the Carleton Ravens. Silvio joined the highly successful OSU 2000 Boys at U16. He will be studying Communications and Media Studies. Silvio will be joining fellow League 1 teammates Tony Mikhael, Dario Conte, Ricky Comba & Scott Mazzotta, as well as former OSU players Gabriel Bitar, Jeremy Aweya, Junior Azare, Dante Cobisa & Jared Maloney on the Ravens men’s soccer team this Fall.

Force youth players earning League 1 call-ups. Several members of OSU OPDL teams have appeared for the League 1 squad this season, including Sahal Arwo, Johnny Mcdonald & Max Izzat in the past month.

League 1 Ontario is a semi-professional league that falls in the Canadian Soccer pyramid. It is the highest level of play in Ontario. Over 140 players have used League 1 Ontario as a steppingstone to signing professional contracts in North America & overseas.

League 1 will be a massive scouting area for the upcoming Canadian Premier League scheduled to start in 2019. Calling up the 2001 boys to the League 1 squad is an example of OSU’s commitment to giving players the best platform & opportunity for their development.

OSU hosts huge international tourney & rec festival

It’s been a busy time on many fronts for Ottawa South United as the peak of the soccer season hits.

At no stage was that more evident than on Aug. 10 when over 3,000 players and parents descended on George Nelms Sports Park for our club’s year-end festivals.

Thanks to all our volunteers for your wonderful energy and making it a special day for all involved!

The passion was alive the previous weekend as well for the 2018 Champions Showcase, featuring 110 teams from across Canada, USA and Brazil!