Hockey might be the main sport for many of them, but results from two recent tournaments would suggest that the young lads who constitute the roster of Sudburnia Diaspora FC U14 Boys can more than hold their own on the soccer pitch.
In late May, the local crew cruised through group stage play at the Barrie Spiritfest, emerging victorious over the West Lincoln Warriors (4-1), Barrie Spirit (6-0) and the Kawartha Inferno (12-0).
The knockout round proved far more interesting as the Sudburnia reps posted back to back 1-0 shutouts over both the Puslinch Predators and NT (North Toronto) Nitros, claiming gold at the competition.
"With just two weeks of practice and many players coming from hockey, these boys gelled into a competitive unit almost overnight," noted assistant coach and former Laurentian University star Dan Falcioni.
"Despite facing well-established teams, dealing with injuries, fatigue and a short bench, they never looked out of place — and never backed down."
The overall competitiveness of their second foray, the Welland Wizards Rose Festival & Soccer Tournament, was evident throughout as scores were much closer, with the local squad settling for silver.
Sudburnia Diaspora managed to run the table in the preliminary games, toppling the host Welland Wizards (3-0), Club Roma from St Catharines (2-0) and South Simcoe United (4-1).
Their defensive excellence was front and centre again in the final four as the northern reps slipped past the Legion Aquilas from Niagara-on-the-Lake before finally tasting defeat in a 2-0 loss to Dixie SC.
""These boys played five full matches in the heat with zero substitutes," said Sudburnia head coach Adrian Bubalo. "Their heart, grit and teamwork were unbelievable. We are so proud of them."
The 2025 Sudburnia Diaspora FC U14 Boys team is: Aaron Flanagan, Hammoudie Najem, Vincent Ladouceur, Ethan Caetano, Max Larche, Carson Barr, Van Sakellaris, Lukas Maninos, Blake Bubalo, Padraig Courtney, Connor Wainio, Neven Brujic, Massimo Gianfrancesco, Caden Blais, Max Falcioni, Boe Wagemann and coaches Adrian Bubalo, Pat Courtney and Dan Falcioni.
