Dear Editor,
Re: “Facebook support for charged soccer coach,” News, April 16.
Having followed the charges aimed at Richmond F.C. soccer coach Roberto Sciascia and reading the various media coverage of the incident, I'd like to voice my opinion on the subject.
For 6 years, since the age of 12, I played under Sciascia and witnessed first hand the positive effect he had on me personally, and on many of my teammates.
I could go on for quite some time about the many cups and trophies we won under his guidance, and even longer if I took the successes of the other teams he coached as well. However in this context it gets away from the point.
Roberto's resumé as a coach speaks for itself, but what he taught us on the field had greater meaning than just soccer. He showed us that dedication, hard work, respect and perseverance were needed not just in sports, but in the real world.
He gave us a taste of what it was really like out there, not sheltered by parents or teachers, where your own work ethic dictated your future. You were in control. There was no showing up late or skipping practices. If you did, you paid the consequences by sitting on the bench.
He was a tough, demanding coach, but he brought out the best in players and I could see every practice his commitment to the team and his passion for the game.
If you were looking to play at the highest level possible and become the best player you could be, Roberto was the man for the job and you'd be hard pressed to find someone better in the province.
Never did I feel threatened or bullied playing under him, and never did I see him harming or bullying fellow teammates.
In fact, the only verbal assault I ever witnessed was always between parents and bystanders, with coaches remaining uninvolved and professional.
It's a shame that current players are now losing the chance to be coached by him due to these charges.
Having travelled with him as far away as Prince Edward Island for nationals and Santa Clara for invitational tournaments, I got to know him off the field as well, as someone you could have an interesting discussion or crack a few jokes with.
He played a big part in shaping the person I am today and keeping him away from the game is only hurting the players of today.
Of all the articles I've seen regarding Roberto, media has always portrayed him in a negative light. I hope that by showing people all the positives he contributed to my experience as a Richmond soccer player, that perhaps a few opinions may be changed, or that better yet, the charges are overturned. I'd like to be able to walk by Hugh Boyd again and see him out on the field, coaching, where he belongs, not only making the current generation of kids better soccer players, but preparing them for what comes after youth soccer as well.
Marcus Ribi
Richmond
