Astros unveil change in new CSL campaign
North York Astros’ 2008 Canadian Soccer League campaign will be a season of firsts.
Aside from aiming to improve on their early playoff exit last summer, the Astros have introduced a new development program for kids aged 7-16. The program will help aspiring players develop new skills, while doubling as a feeder system to the CSL squad.
“I believe there are a lot of talented youth players that want the opportunity to play a high level of soccer,” said Astros head coach Rafael Carbajal. “Now they will practise and be exposed to the men’s game so they can develop quicker and be ready (for pro soccer) sooner.
“I like working with the young players … and this will give me a deeper well to draw from.”
The development players will play against their counterparts from other CSL teams, providing a glimpse into the future of Canadian soccer. Carbajal said the move was a good one, especially if the league wants to continue growing.
“The under-18 players will be exposed to more in one season here than in five years in the youth leagues,” he added. “These types of programs are vital for any club to survive.”
The future of the CSL got another boost last month. Major League Soccer’s Toronto FC committed to having its academy team of reserves and developing players participate in the 2008 season.
Last year, TFC’s reserve squad played against other MLS reserve teams.
“Having the TFC name as part of the league is a good thing (for Canadian soccer),” Carbajal said.
CSL commissioner Cary Kaplan echoed Carbajal’s excitement for the 2008 season.
“Toronto FC has built a powerful sports brand in a very short time … and has done wonders for the growth of soccer in this region,” Kaplan said in a statement.
“The CSL is excited to establish a relationship with Toronto FC, and looks forward to being instrumental in the development of some of Canada’s great young talent.”
Paul Beirne, TFC director of business operations, said the switch to the CSL was based purely on aiding soccer development in the GTA and Canada.
“The goal of Toronto FC is to one day hoist the MLS Cup, but another goal has always been to have an indelible mark of the soccer landscape in Canada, and specifically in Ontario,” Beirne said in a statement.
“It is our hope that Toronto FC not only be the aspirational choice for young soccer players in Canada, but an academy that has a real effect on the development of young, talented players.”
With TFC Academy entering the CSL picture, the league finalized its 2008 schedule.
The Astros open the season on the road against Serbian White Eagles on May 23. Game time is 8 p.m. at Centennial Stadium in Etobicoke. North York’s first home contest comes two days later when the Astros host TFC Academy at Esther Shiner Stadium, starting at 3 p.m.
“Last year, we were the league’s youngest team, but we still did pretty well by making the playoffs,” Carbajal said. “This year, not only do we want to make the playoffs, we want to go as far as possible.”