The Greater Sudbury Soccer Club (GSSC) Impact U14 girls are finishing their outdoor campaign on a high note, setting the stage for an exciting transition into the U15 age group as the winter indoor season approaches.
Competing at the C1 level of Ontario Soccer’s iModel league, the Impact carved out a distinction no other GSSC team has currently achieved. Under the leadership of head coach Stéphane Marier, the squad embraced a new style of play built on teamwork, ball movement, and composure — and the results have been undeniable.
“In the past, we could score goals against weaker opponents, but that didn’t translate against stronger teams,” said Marier, now entering his fourth winter with much of the same core group. “We had to learn to move the ball as a team, cross properly, and process the game at a faster pace.”
That shift in philosophy has already paid dividends. A year ago, the group was handed a lopsided 9-1 loss against one of the division’s top contenders. This summer, the same matchup was far more competitive — a clear marker of growth.
“I was disappointed in myself after that first game,” admitted Marier. “But since then, the girls have shown incredible improvement. Many of them hadn’t even watched professional soccer before joining, and now they’re becoming one of the most successful groups to come out of Sudbury.”
Currently sitting sixth in their eight-team division, the Impact girls are exactly where Marier believes they need to be: challenged, tested, and developing. The coach credits not just the talent of his athletes but also the training environment. Drawing inspiration from Ontario Soccer’s coaching seminars, he has adopted what he calls ‘organized chaos’ in practices.
“If you can design a session that looks a little chaotic but actually mirrors real game situations, kids learn faster,” he explained. “And above all, they need to enjoy it. Fun has to be part of the process.”
The Impact close their iModel campaign with four more matches, but the real victory, according to Marier, is the long-term progress. “They’ve already made huge strides, and I know there’s even more to come this winter.”
Impact U14 Girls Roster
Alayna Marier-Mikus, Sierra Ranger, Isabella Fraser, Desiree Malmiste, Emma-Leigh Morin, Jessie Fu, Braya Kelly, Zoey Brazier, Alexa Boissonneault, Violet Boisvenue, Callie Couillard, Julia D’Angelo, Kara Christine, Leah Lalonde, Brooklynn Bertrand, Veronica Paquette, Taya Messier.
Coaching staff: Head coach Stéphane Marier, assistant coach Al Couillard, and team manager Silvana D’Angelo.