Despite grey skies and a damp forecast, energy continues to run high at Strathclair Park as the Sault Youth Soccer Club’s Girls Division embark on its pre-draft exhibition schedule ahead of the 2025 Draft Day – May 26th.
Held annually, Draft Day is more than just a team selection—it’s a key milestone in the SYSC calendar, where new rosters take shape and young players take their next steps in the game. This year, participation hit a new high, with a 12% increase in Girls Division registration and record retention rates across the U9 to U13 age groups.
Three divisions, one goal
The Girls Division is divided into three tiers: U13+ (three teams), U11/U12 (six teams), and U9/U10 (seven teams). Each bracket will play a series of pre-draft exhibitions on May 21 and 23, giving coaches a last look at player development before team selections on May 26.
U13+ Girls (Strathclair 6)
The oldest group kicked off on May 21 with Team 1 facing Team 2 in a competitive opener marked by quick transitions and strong midfield play. Later that evening, Team 3 took on Team 2, showing early signs of the tactical awareness and stamina needed at this level.
May 23’s fixtures hope to bring even more urgency, with Team 3 facing Team 1 and Team 1 returning to play Team 2 in a double-header scenario. For many of these players, the pre-draft games serve as an unofficial tryout for other competitive squads, iModel, and/or college and university.
U11/U12 Girls (Strathclair 8)
Six teams means a busy exhibition slate and plenty of opportunity for scouting. Games will be played in two 25-minute halves, offering snapshots of technical development, field positioning, and decision-making under pressure.
Highlights included Team 1 vs. Team 2 and Team 3 vs. Team 4 on Wednesday, while Friday will see Team 4 clash with Team 1 and Team 2 take on a strong Team 6. Coaches took note of instinctive play and emerging leadership across the board on night one.
U9/U10 Girls (Strathclair A & B)
While the youngest group may not yet be focused on tactics, they brought unmatched enthusiasm to the pitch. Seven teams rotated through back-to-back games, with each player showing early glimpses of potential.
Games like Team 1 vs. Team 2 and Team 3 vs. Team 4 aim to bring a sense of joy and excitement that underscores the grassroots mission of SYSC: build skills, confidence, and a lifelong love of the game.
Draft Day marks a turning point
The Draft, held May 26, isn’t just about forming teams—it’s the beginning of a new season and, for many players, a new chapter in their football journey. Coaches used the exhibition games to evaluate talent across a range of criteria: technical skill, game sense, attitude, and adaptability.
For those in the U13+ group, this stage is especially critical, with opportunities to advance into regional programs, travel teams, and eventually high school rosters. Last season, four SYSC players were selected to Northern Ontario regional teams—a number the club hopes to grow this year.
Development through inclusion
The club’s model combines recreational and competitive programming, providing an inclusive structure that keeps players engaged while also offering clear pathways for advancement.
SYSC has made efforts in recent seasons to streamline its evaluation process and increase access to the sport, particularly for girls. The results are showing: this season brought not only higher registration but also stronger continuity, with many U9 players returning year after year.
The upcoming outdoor season follows a successful winter futsal campaign, where U11 players averaged over four goals per match. With new coaching staff on board and rosters set, expectations are high across all age groups.
Founded over 30 years ago, the Sault Youth Soccer Club has become one of Northern Ontario’s leading youth sports organizations. Alumni have gone on to play at the university level, while many others return as coaches and mentors. Since 2016, the club has fielded at least one all-female coaching staff each year—a tradition continuing in 2025.
The Girls Division Draft Day is both a celebration of that legacy and a glimpse into the future of the sport in Sault Ste. Marie. With more players, more energy, and more opportunity than ever, SYSC continues to prove that youth soccer is alive and thriving in the north.
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