The host association didn't get an automatic berth into the Coastal Cup Finals. Its tremendous success just makes it seem like it.
When the showcase tournament for youth soccer players in the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island takes place May 5-6 at Minoru Park, a whopping four boys teams from the Richmond Youth Soccer Association's Premier Program will be competing for "A" division titles.
Richmond United's U13, U15, U16 and U18 teams all won their semi-final games last weekend, making it the most successful post-season since the Select/Metro format was launched over 20 years ago. The impressive showing is a testament to RYSA's player development model and how the organization hasn't missed a beat even with B.C. Soccer launching a youth high performance league last spring.
Richmond was quick to endorse the fledgling B.C. Premier Soccer League and formed a partnership with Vancouver to host the Fusion franchise. However, the RYSA wasn't about let its own rep program take a backseat and carried on as a viable option for players that perhaps needed more balance in their lives to accommodate other activities rather than solely focusing on soccer.
RYSA's Premier Program was launched for the 2000-01 season and features about 32 players selected for each of the five age groups (U13 to U18). Metro and Gold teams are formed, however, the players continue to train as a group and there can be movement between the two teams, depending on a progress throughout the season. The program is overseen by RYSA's technical director Roberto Scascia while the volunteer coaches must be certified at least at the provincial "B" license level.
"For boys who want to play at the high level, we now have HPL and the opportunities that come with that," explained Richmond U18 coach and longtime executive member John Gattens. "What we are trying to do is provide our players a route for potential scholarship and university opportunities. "We are showcasing them to programs through exhibition games (against college teams) and tournaments."
At the same time, players can still pursue other sports or interests and of course school studies remain the number one priority.
"My kids are all high achievers who are in (academic) incentive programs," explained United U16 head coach Ted Lorenz. "School comes first over soccer and all of them know it. Our numbers vary throughout the year because these are kids involved in other things and we always encourage them to seek other opportunities."
RYSA's formula is working and players from outside the district are taking notice too. Evaluations for next year's U18 Select and Gold teams take place this week with a whopping 80 players registered. Due to B.C. Soccer rules, only five out of district players can be signed.
On the field last weekend, U16 United was extended to the eighth shooter in penalty kicks before finally prevailing 1-0 over the Delta Selects on Saturday at Hugh Boyd. Richmond will now face Vancouver FC in the cup final, looking to add another title after earlier winning the league championship.
U18 United also had its hands full, holding off a determined Upper Island team with a 2-1 victory on Sunday at Boyd. The locals will also be complete the double when they square off against Surrey Pegasus in a rematch of the league cup final.
The core of the U15 Richmond United squad won the Coastal and Provincial Cups two years ago and now they are back for more. Richmond travelled to Courtenay on Sunday where it came through with a 3-1 victory over the Upper Island Tide. The win sets up a Coastal Cup final against league champion Surrey Pegasus.
The most impressive result of the weekend was turned in by U13 Richmond United as the boys produced a decisive 4-0 win over Coquitlam Metro Ford Millennium. United will now meet Burnaby Selects in the final.
All four Richmond teams have also qualified for the Provincial Cup championships, slated for July 5-8 in Kamloops.
