Muskoka’s three official soccer clubs – Muskoka United Football Club (MUFC), Huntsville Soccer Club (HSC) and Bracebridge Soccer Club (BSC)– are continuing their collaborative efforts to grow the sport in the region.
After months of discussion and planning, it has been determined that the best path forward for soccer in Muskoka is to continue to combine soccer programming under the MUFC banner. As such, beginning in January 2024, all development and rep teams will be run by MUFC (and no longer by BSC or HSC). Teams made up of U9s through U12s will continue to play in the Huronia District Soccer League (HDSL), while U13 and older teams will play in a league that meets their needs.
This year, the leagues were HDSL and Ontario Soccer I-Model. MUFC teams have had some amazing success in just its second year of
competition and the thought is to continue building on the solid foundation that has been built.
“Development” is short for Long Term Player Development. It is more competitive than house league, and features matches against other communities, but the focus is on developing skills and fostering a love for sport.
“Streamlining the rep program from the development ages through to when players become adults was an idea we had from the beginning,” explains MUFC President Ted Maduri. “We’ve realized that if we’re combining rep players from throughout Muskoka at age 13 it takes a bit longer for them to come together as a team. Starting as early as possible breeds familiarity and camaraderie much faster and takes advantage of the combined resources of Bracebridge and Huntsville such as access to great coaching, technical direction and better combined facilities.”
“Our goal is to get as many players as possible playing for MUFC. We will aim to put together at least two MUFC teams per age group/gender at the development level,” explains Program Director Dino Tomassoni. “Other large centres often have at least two rep teams per age group and we plan to follow suit.
MUFC DEVELOPMENT DAY
With that in mind, MUFC is hosting a Development Day on Saturday, September 9 at Gostick Park in Bracebridge at 10:15 am. The day is to gauge interest for each team of boys and girls set to play in the HDSL next season – U9, U10, U11, U12.
All interested players who were born from 2015 to 2012 are strongly encouraged to attend the Development Day to register their interest for 2024.Those unable to attend who are keen on development/rep soccer should email MUFC’s club administrator to express their interest: [email protected]
A further Development Day to be held in Huntsville is also being discussed and plans will be made through the winter.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
Mandatory: shin guards, socks to cover shin guards, shorts, shirt, labelled water bottle, no
jewellery/watches/or other dangerous items to be worn.
Recommended: cleats, warm-up pants, jacket, long hair tied back.
NOTE: Players should come prepared to be active in all weather conditions.
About MUFC:
Muskoka United Football Club is an Ontario not for profit corporation. It has registered with the Huronia District Soccer Association (HDSA) and Ontario Soccer. MUFC’s legal members are the Huntsville Soccer Club and the Bracebridge Soccer Club.
VISION: Muskoka United Football Club will unite the community of Muskoka by providing opportunities
for the development of local youth and foster a lifelong passion for the game of soccer.
MISSION: Muskoka United Football Club will collaborate to create a local, sustainable pathway for soccer by focusing on whole athlete development, emphasizing the enjoyment of the game, and providing a variety of quality programs and coaching opportunities.
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