Two weeks ago, we launched a unique development structure in North America and the first few tryouts were a huge success.
We are actively working at filling some new positions within the organization with the creation of three youth teams: U14, U15, and U16. There are a lot people that we have to put in place and we want to make sure that we have the best resources to develop our young players.
It will also be important that we add a head scout with MLS experience to manage our technical staff.
As for the first team, the 2011 season looks quite exciting. Our final year in the NASL will be a challenging and competitive one. The next few months will also be very important in terms of preparation for our debut in MLS. The 2011 season will be one of transition. As mentioned a few times by our club president Joey Saputo, the MLS begins now.
I am currently in Martinique scouting games at the Digicel Cup, formerly known as the Caribbean Nations Cup. This tournament is a qualifier for the Gold Cup competition, with teams like Jamaica, Guadalupe, Cuba or Trinidad and Tobago.
I will also be attending the MLS Combine being held in Florida, from January 8 to 11, alongside Mauro Biello. We are also planning a scouting trip to Africa, most notably Senegal, sometime in early January.
As part of our recruiting strategy, we will also be organizing a camp, by invitation only, during the week of January 24. Players from the Academy U21 and others who have had some experience in our league will be invited, along with players from American universities or foreigners.
With the closing of the invitation camp, the club’s official training camp will then begin in Montreal. As we did in recent years, we will travel to continue our winter preparation, at the end of February. We would also like to play some preseason matches against MLS teams, so that might influence our destination.
Until next time,
Nick De Santis
