The U10 Impact team with head coach O’Neal Maoukola
As spring tries to push its way through the snow, the Montreal Impact is getting ready to officially kick off its Pre-Academy activities.
Training will begin in two weeks, with the U11-U12 group taking the pitch at the Stade Saputo Turf Field on Monday, April 14, while the U8-U9-U10’s will practice on April 15.
"The Pre-Academy marks the arrival of a high quality support system for the club, based on its philosophies,” said Yoann Damet, head coach of the U12 and the Pre-Academy coordinator. “This is an ambitious project to integrate our young players, from the earliest age possible, into our identity of play and the values of our philosophy, all while having fun and integrating within our structure. We are very excited to get out onto the field for our first training sessions.”
The Pre-Academy will feature 85 players in the five different age categories, set to play exhibition games already scheduled for the weekend of May 3 at Celtix du Haut Richelieu, followed by three weekends at the Stade Saputo turf against the Ottawa Futuro, CRSA Olympique and Verdun.
“As first year players entering the Pre-Academy, I am expecting the group to have a solid set of technical abilities,” added Massimo Di Ioia, head coach of the U9 side. “Our main focus for the year will be on the development of the individuals and the group’s collective understanding of the game and to create a competitive environment within the group and develop our youth to ensure continuity within the pre-academy program.”
Homecoming of sorts
The importance of continuity and understanding the mentality of the club is paramount within the Pre-Academy system, explains Damet, and the hiring process for its coaches reflected that.
Three of its coaches have connections with the club, with former Academy product Félix Cardin (U8), current coordinator of the Montreal Impact Soccer Schools O’Neal Maoukola (U10) and former first team player in second division Massimo Di Ioia (U9), excited to give back.
“Coming back to the club definitely brought back great feelings,” revealed Di Ioia. “Stepping foot once again into Stade Saputo, this time as a coach, and wearing the Impact logo definitely made a mark on me. It’s a great feeling to be back with the organization that gave me the opportunity to play as a pro and now give back to the youth.”
“Once the Pre-Academy became official, I immediately proposed my candidacy as a coach,” added Maoukola. “I love the game and I expect these young players to show the same passion for the game. It will be a new chapter in the club’s history.”
The Pre-Academy now joins the existing structure of the club, which is already made of the U13, U14, U16, U18, U23 and of course, the first team playing in MLS.
