Oh Canada! Oh New Brunswick! Oh Edmundston! Oh Saint Mary’s Academy! Oh 12 Nations!
Soccer Returns to Saint Mary’s Academy after 15 Years
Saint Mary’s Academy soccer team representing 12 nations took to the field Wednesday, September 20th, 2023, for the first time since 2008. The nerves in the stands were as intense as the nerves on the bench according to a reliable source. Being a K to 12 school, players from grade six to twelve (quick note: nine players on the roster are middle level students!) played in the game as a varsity team against A-J Savoie High School from St.-Quentin. We’ll get to the score in a minute. That’s the least important piece of this story.
Soccer, the Beautiful Game, brought together this unlikely, but highly energetic group to play a game they love. Boys and girls, tall and short, experienced, and new to the game. There is some serious talent here coupled with a whole lot of excitement for those with a first touch in a real game. Our brand-new goalkeepers were tested, our defense was pressed, our mid-field connected, and our attackers showed some brilliance.
Before the game players were told they would make mistakes, the coaches would make mistakes and the referees would make mistakes. The focus would be on learning and developing everyone. A good pass, a good effort, a big smile were fantastic rewards. “I touched the ball”, “I made a pass in my first game.”, “We communicated well”, were some of the comments from the players. Everyone had fun – smiles all around.
From the beginning the team intention was made very clear. “We don’t want any prisoners on our team” stated Assistant coach Topolniski at the first practice, “you have to want to play.” The players are showing up for practice: 17-18 each time. At the game Coach Bailey said, “It was very emotional to see this group of kids, in their uniforms, so many for the first time.”
Captains Zizou and Lorenzo led the team and helped the cause with a goal each. Zizou scored the team’s first goal to equalize in the first half and after going down 3-1, Lorenzo scored to bring SMA within one. SMA was the more skilled team, but the physicality of the full varsity team from St. Quentin was able to keep the Eagles from tying the score. In the end a 3-2 loss was a good, if unsatisfying result. The players were proud, the coaches were prouder, and the spectators were entertained with a few sore throats from screaming.
Getting to this point took a lot of work. Kudos to Team Manager, Bethany Toner, for making it all possible. She has worked tirelessly to make sure players had the equipment they needed and could get to practices and games. Many thanks to Soccer Edmundston for the uniform donation!! Coaches Bailey and Topolniski are enthusiastic and committed. And a shout out to Saint Mary’s Principal and VP, Julie Michaud and Heather Dexter, for their support. Teamwork is how it rolls at Saint Mary’s. Next game is Monday, September 25, vs Carleton North at the Cite des Jeunes at 6:00 PM. Don’t miss it!
