Soccer showcase at Niagara College
About 80 players representing 22 local high schools participate
The Niagara College Knights soccer teams held its annual showcase for high school players.
About 80 players from 22 schools took part Wednesday.
The girls game went at 6 p.m., and the boys played at 8 p.m. Both games were played indoors at Youngs Sportsplex.
“This event was originally created as an opportunity to provide local soccer fans a chance to see all the best soccer players in the Niagara region play with or against each other,” said Rino Berardi, the founder of the event. “I am happy that it has come as far as it has. Coaches have told us that players are asking to be included.”
Twenty-five past participants have competed for the Knights at the OCAA level.
Some of the alumni of the game include: Michelle Maecker, 2018 Knights female rookie athlete of the year and an E.L. Crossley graduate; and Kara Latham, the MVP of the Knights in 2018 as well as the 2017 Knights female rookie athlete of the year and a Centennial grad.
On the men’s side, Jacob Therrien, the 2017 Knights male rook-
ie athlete of the year and Notre Dame graduate is a past participant. So is Kimbel Donyare, the 2016 Knights male rookie athlete of the year and St Francis grad.
Niagara College Knights varsity players led run teams through warm-ups and served as honorary coaches of the Blue and White teams.
“When Rino proposed this event five years ago, I never dreamt that it would have been this impactful.
“His brainchild has grown into an anticipated event among high school players and coaches,” said Knights coach Frank DeChellis.
“The showcase has really grown into a top-quality event and is a nice celebration of the high school soccer scene.
“Letting skilled athletes play in a pressure-free environment allows them to display their passion for football.
“Both games are always entertaining, and it doesn’t take long for new teammates to start combining on the pitch.”
Women’s coach Rob Lalama said there is a lot of talent in Niagara.
“A good chunk of our roster is filled by Niagara area players who have played prominent roles in our recent success,” he said. “Word has spread that we are contenders and that has fuelled a lot of interest in Niagara College and our soccer program.”