Last week, the Montreal Impact Academy U13 team took part in the Tournoi international U13 Anastasio Gomez de Bobigny. The Montreal team was the only one representing the American continent, facing teams such as Tottenham Hotspur FC (England), FC Porto (Portugal), Paris Saint-Germain (France), Na Hussein Dey (Algeria) and many other European clubs.
“We started with a lot of nerves,” said head coach Serge Dinkota. “For most players, it was a first experience abroad. You play against Porto, PSG, Tottenham, clubs you hear about in the Champions League and see on television. But we reminded them that the Impact was also a big club. Afterwards, we expressed ourselves.”
On the field, the players finished in eighth position in the tournament on 16 teams, losing in the seventh-place match against Tottenham after getting three wins, two draws and two losses in the group stage. But in the end, it’s the experience and the ability to remain true to their identity on and off the field that satisfies the group.
“In terms of representing the club, it’s a success,” added Dinkota. “People didn’t know much about our level and had good words for us on our play. We displayed our playing identity despite what was at stake and the pressure for results. The club was proudly represented and they already asked us if we would be back next year.”
The team won the Fair Play award for its attitude during the tournament.
“When it comes to respect and to the way our players behaved, it wasn’t long before our name came out,” said the Impact U13 head coach. “We remained faithful to the Impact’s and the Academy’s values. They were impeccable, professional; they respected bedtime and mealtimes. The work put in place by Yoann Damet at the Pre-Academy is important, because we gain time by instilling our values to the kids at the Academy and the Pre-Academy. 75% of my roster came through the Pre-Academy.”
This show of respect for teammates, coaches, opponents and game officials represents the identity put in place at the Academy. Every time a team represents the colours of the club abroad, this is a noteworthy feature.
In May, it will be the U14’s turn to represent the club proudly in France at the Tournoi international U15 de Neuville sur Saône.
