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Introducing Woodbridge Strikers

By lo admin, 05/29/14, 4:00PM EDT

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Introducing Woodbridge Strikers

Thu May 29 
Written By: Rollins, Duane
 

For Woodbridge Strikers Soccer Club president Mike Rietta, the decision to involve the Strikers in the launch of League1 Ontario came down to a simple point.

"We just needed some more soccer," he said. "We needed something at the top of the pyramid to show our members."

A club since 1976, Woodbridge has long had a youth focus. It was founded as a youth club, and for the last eight years it has been committed to a player development focus. 

Although it had close to 50 teams wearing the club's colours, it needed a top team, Rietta stressed. 

"We needed a place for the youth players to look up to," Rietta said. 

To that end, the marketing around the Strikers has been focused on the members of the club. Rietta wants to involve everyone at the club with the League1 team – whether as fans, as part of the game day crew, or participating in the half time show.

Head coach and technical director, Peter Pinizzotto, agreed with the whole club approach. He said that the League1 side will mirror the same possession-focused football that he teaches at all levels to play.

Pinizzotto said having the League1 team representing the club provides a vital inspiration for his younger players.

"Maybe there comes a time when a player realizes he can't play for TFC or the Impact," Pinizzotto said, "but they can aspire to play in League1."

Keeping players in the game longer will allow late bloomers to maybe get a chance to play at higher levels, Pinizzotto highlighted.

Beyond motivation, Pinizzotto said that having a League1 team gives him a valuable development tool.

"At younger ages we stress building technical skill – it's about improving play," he said. "But, it's important at 17-18 years old to teach them how to win – how to use those skills to win games. We'll be looking to win."  

Woodbridge Strikers open their League1 Ontario campaign at the Ontario Soccer Centre on Sunday June 1 at 1 p.m. vs ANB Futbol. 

The club's home opener is scheduled for July 9, 5 p.m. at Vaughan Grove vs. Masters FA.