The Impact U14 (composed of players born in 2000 and 2001) came back from Portugal a few weeks ago with a priceless souvenir. Head coach Nicolas Gagnon’s players brought back a great individual and sporting experience.
On the field, the challenge was huge. The Impact played seven games, winning four and losing three.
“We learnt a lot in our games,” said Nicolas Gagnon. “In two of our three losses, we could have been better in the last third on certain opportunities. It could have helped us get the win. The other loss was against Deportivo La Coruna, a Spanish first division club. We conceded the winning goal in the final minutes, but despite the loss, we had more possession than them. They had good central backs that made it harder to play. It’s a great learning process.”
“It was also a great experience on a human level,” said Gagnon. “We were living on a camping site, without air conditioning, internet or cellphones. It helped stimulate human relations. Looking at it only from this angle, it was really interesting to be in Portugal and live together 24/7.”
This type of tournament in foreign territory sometimes comes with unexpected problems. The team had to deal with food issues for example. But this aspect is part of the learning process.
“Being away from home in difficult conditions helps a group that will have to face similar moments next year when the players will be in the USSDA. Yoann Damet, the physical trainer who also made the trip with the team, did an excellent job with the recovery process. It helped the players understand the importance of the off-field preparation, something that has to be applied before and after the game.”
Prior to the start of the USSDA season for the U16 and U18 Impact teams, another tournament is awaiting the Academy. CONCACAF invited the Montreal Impact to take part in a Champions League tournament, where players born in 2002 and 2003 will represent the club. The Bleu-blanc-noir will leave Montreal at the beginning of August to represent the club internationally in Mexico. They will face seven other teams coming from all around CONCACAF.
