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Attention all coaches, player’s and club officials: We at the Scarborough Soccer Association want to ensure that we do our best in providing as much information for all of you on the web to benefit you all! We also aspire to promote success in your clubs! To help us, we ask that you submit any exciting stories and successes that your club or team has had to the webmaster to be featured in our latest news section of this website!
Thank you!
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| Past Stories... |
| The Soccer Community Mourns the Loss of Dear Friend, Joe K.
Thursday February 26th, 2009
The Soccer Community mourns a dear friend today, as Joe Kneschewitsch passed away peacefully at home yesterday after a lengthy battle with cancer. A loving father of two, son John and daughter Lori, and dear husband to his beloved wife Mary. Joe was involved in the soccer community for more than three decades; beginning in 1976, Joe was instrumental in the development of the Scarborough Soccer Centre and the Scarborough Indoor Soccer League, a volunteer and organizer for the Ontario Cup and Nationals, a coach and committee member of the club Cedarbrae, now known as the Scarborough Blizzard Soccer Club, and a referee with the Scarborough Soccer Referees Association. Joe K. and his wife Mary are among the longest standing volunteers for the Robbie International Soccer Tournament. Joe was truly dedicated to raising money for the Robbie Charity, the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. He’d take on any task and complete it with utmost accuracy. In recent years, he was a staple at the Robbie Headquarters, alongside Mary and at the Robbie Finals, ensuring all things went smoothly and were done to perfection. Joe was kind hearted, extremely hard working and a truly dedicated man. He will be forever missed by his friends in the Soccer community.
The family will receive friends at the OGDEN FUNERAL HOME, 4164 Sheppard Ave. East, Agincourt (east of Kennedy Rd.) on Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. A private cremation to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated.
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| 2008 News |
Scarborough says Farewell to 'Ms. Scarborough Soccer', Laura Cvik as she steps down after 23 years of volunteer service in Scarborough and after serving seven years as the President of the Scarborough Soccer Association.
 Laura Cvik began volunteering in soccer, with the West Rouge Soccer Club as a coach, and eventually became president of the club. She became involved in the Robbie International Soccer Tournament immediately, and stuck with it to meet milestones such as the $1 Million dollar mark of donations to the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and Muscular Dystrophy, as well she was there to celebrate the 40th anniversary. Laura began her term as President of the Scarborough Soccer Association in 2001, after supporting former president Ed Nicol as Vice President. Laura was instrumental in the formation of the Central Girls Soccer League, the Central East Soccer League, and the SCARDESO program. Laura's primary focus throughout everything has always been "the kids". Having two kids of her own, both former soccer players, she is now taking the time to take care of herself, and enjoy some free time! She has left the association in good hands, under the new presidency of Jim Barnes and with a strong committee of dedicated volunteers. Laura has made lasting friendships in her twenty threes at it, and will be truly missed by all. We all wish her the very best in this new chapter of her life! |
MERRY CHRISTMAS TORONTO; DE RO'S COMIN' HOHOHOME!!!
 Toronto FC is giving it's fans a big christmas present this year as they welcome aboard international success, and local soccer hero, Dwayne De Rosario onto the TFC Roster. Known as DE RO to his fans, Dwayne has been a huge staple for the Houston Dynamos for the past three years, and will now be a key player for the Toronto squad. When the team was born in 2006, Dwayne was immediately drawn to playing on his home field. Now this has become a reality for him, his family and friends, and for all his fans who dreamt of this day coming true! Welcome Home Dwayne! We can't wait to cheer you and Toronto on at the same time!!!
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VOTE FOR SCARBOROUGH'S OWN, JULIAN dE GUZMAN
FOR THE LOU MARSH AWARD
honouring Canada's outstanding athlete of the year!
CLICK HERE FOR STORY AND TO VOTE
CLICK ON JULIAN'S NAME UNDER THE LIST OF CANDIDATES TO VOTE
 Julian de Guzman; Scarborough's finest!
Julian de Guzman is a man to be admired in Canada, as both an athlete and outstanding individual. This year, Julian took the time to participate and assist in organizing a celebrity soccer game, as a part of one of the longest running soccer traditions in Scarborough, Canada, Julian's hometown, the Robbie International Soccer Tournament. The Julian de Guzman and Friends Celebrity Charity soccer gamed helped raise funds and awareness for the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. He has been a strong support for the Robbie International Soccer Tournament which in it's 43rd year running, has raised over $1 million dollars for Cystic Fibrosis. Julian is a remarkable player, and demonstrates sportsmanship that should be modeled by all canadians. He has gone on to play on a top team in Spain, but has in no way forgotten where he got his start, here in Scarborough ontario. Go Julian Go!
(Left: Jonathan and Julian de Guzman @ the Robbie, hosting the Julian de Guzman & Friends Celebrity Charity Game for Cystic Fibrosis) |
| ‘THE ROBBIE’ TAKES ANOTHER STEP FORWARD WITH INDUCTION ONTO SCARBOROUGH WALK OF FAME
The Robbie International Soccer Tournament has taken a number of steps in its 43 year history to achieve the status as one of the world’s most famous and prestigious soccer tournaments, including:
- Awarding the first tournament championship as far back as 1967;
- seeing girls teams in ‘The Robbie for the first time in 1972;
- teams from the United States, Mexico, the Caribbean, South America, Europe, Africa and Asia competing in the tournament for the first time over various years;
- in 2004, passing the million dollar mark in donations to charities.
On Thursday, October 23 of this year, ‘The Robbie’ took its latest step forward as the tournament and its founder, the late John Wimbs (who passed away in 2004 at the age of 76), were inducted on to the Scarborough Walk of Fame. The Robbie International Soccer Tournament is named after Robbie Wimbs, who suffered from cystic fibrosis until his passing in 1996 at the age of 33.
On a happier note, receiving a star on the Scarborough Walk of Fame is truly a wonderful honour as John Wimbs and The Robbie International Soccer Tournament were inducted with other luminaries including:
- World-famous dramatic tenor and Officer within the Order of Canada Ben Heppner
- Grammy-nominated multiple Juno-winning R & B vocalist and actress Deborah Cox;
- former National Hockey League forward Rick Middleton whose career with the New York Rangers, Boston Bruins and Team Canada included three trips to the Stanley Cup Finals with the Bruins and a 1984 Canada Cup championship;
- Earl Campbell, CEO and Director of Education of the Scarborough Board of Education from 1992-1998;
- the late Dr. Sheela Basrur, who served as Toronto’s and Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health before passing away on June 2, 2008 after an 18-month battle with a rare and aggressive form of cancer
John Wimbs, Jr. spoke on behalf of the Wimbs family (John Sr.’s widow Rosalyn and sister Betsy were in attendance as well) and accepted a special certificate at the daytime ceremony held at the Scarborough Town Centre. It is there that the actual star was revealed on the Scarborough Walk of Fame. John, Jr. also spoke at the Walk of Fame’s Gala Dinner held at the Delta Toronto East, both a major sponsor of the Scarborough Walk of Fame and the Robbie International Soccer Tournament, where he was presented with a beautiful glass sculpture for the family.
Co-chairs of ‘The Robbie’, Mike Burke and Laura Cvik, accepted similar mementos of the day and evening on behalf of the tournament itself.
The Scarborough Walk of Fame is situated along a tile strip between the north and south sides of the Scarborough Town Centre’s Food Court. However, this writer won’t spoil the surprise and tell you who the other inductees from 2006 and 2007 were. Why not check out the Scarborough Walk of Fame for yourself on your next trip to the Scarborough Town Centre!
Glenn Sutherland, Publicity and Archiving
The Robbie International Soccer Tournament
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" Scarborough Blizzard Xtreme Boys U11 won the CESL cup over the weekend
in Uxbridge. The Xtreme defeated Wexford 3 - 0. On the way to the
finals. The team overcame the CESL divison 1 winners, Ajax Venom in the
semifinals. This was a very exciting game that went all the way to
penalty kicks. This is the 2nd year that the team has won the cup.
We wish the team all the best as they prepare to compete at the L3
division in the CSL for 2009." |
"Everyone wins. Good things happen when you have an organized league with teams and uniforms but no one is keeping score." Read about Scarborough's Development League in this wonderful article written by Andrea Gordon.
| As the clock strikes 7 on a muggy June evening, swarms of 8- and 9-year-olds in matching socks and jerseys spill across four soccer fields in Scarborough's Hydro corridor. Parents lugging babies and Tim Hortons cups settle into lawn chairs. Siblings play on the sidelines.
A referee's whistle pierces the din. An official calls to three players dangling from a crossbar. "Come on guys! Game time!"
Similar scenes are unfolding in parks all over the GTA. But wait. Something is different in this one.
You don't notice until an East York team bangs in three quick goals. On the opposing West Rouge Storm, no one hangs their head. The coach is calm.
In this league, you can't win. No one is keeping score.
It's game night for the SCARDESO (Scarborough Development League), a select organization for kids ages 7 through 9 that records no scores or standings. There is no league cup. Nor are there repetitive drills during weekly coaching sessions. Instead they play games that focus on co-ordination, running, flexibility and dribbling.
Click here to continue to the story...
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Scarborough Blizzard Boys U11 Xtreme won the 2008 OSA March break Tournament
The team defeated Brampton East by a score of 1 – 0 in the Finals. The team played undefeated in the tournament scoring 6 goals and allowing 1.
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| 2007 News |
THE ROBBIE LOSES A BUILDER AND A SUPPORTER AND A LONG TIME FRIEND.
Story by Bruce Henderson, Director of Member Services, The Ontario Soccer Association
It is with great sadness that I report that Malcolm Hamon died Thursday December 20th, 2007.
Mal first became involved with the St. Andrews Soccer Club along with John Frow, John Wimbs and others. Subsequently he was involved with the Scarborough Youth Soccer Association and the Robbie Tournament Organizing Committee on which he served for many decades. For many of us, the last time that we saw Mal was at the Robbie Tournament's Million Dollar Gala in 2005.
He was a Director of the Metropolitan Toronto Soccer Association in the late 1970's and early 1980's.
Mal then moved out east and was involved with the Durham Region Soccer Association. He was elected to the OSA Board as Regional Director - East Central at the AGM in February 1983. When the OSA changed from Regional Directors to District Representation in 1985, Mal became District Representative for Durham Region and served on the OSA's Board of Directors until 1990.
He was a member of the very first Soccer Centre Committee in 1984 along with Bill Hoyle and Dick Braddock.
In 1995, Mal received the OSA's Meritorious Service Award.
Mal is survived by his wife Betty, daughters Allison and Cheryl and his son Steven. Details have not been finalized. However, Mal will be in resting at the funeral home in Newcastle which is located on Mill Street. He will be laid to rest at the Bond Head Cemetery also located in Newcastle. For information about the funeral home, click on the following link:
http://www.newcastlefuneralhome.com/
Mal mad an impact on three District Associations: Toronto, Scarborough and Durham Region in addition to his significant contribution to The Ontario Soccer Association.
The soccer community mourns a great builder of the game in Ontario.
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Dec. 7/07
A Sad Day in The Soccer Community
Today the soccer community mourns the loss of a dedicated soccer coach and member of the Toronto Soccer Association, Frank Espinoza. Frank suffered a heart attack on Thursday December 6th. He dedicated his time to coaching two women's teams in the Scarborough Indoor Soccer League for many years, the Toronto Central Tigers and Toronto Central United. He was a great supporter of women's soccer, and will be missed greatly by all of the soccer community.
There will be a visitation at Paul O'Connor on Lawrence between Warden & Pharmacy from 3-5 and 7-9 on Monday December 10th, 2007. The funeral is for family only.
In honour of the man many knew and loved, here are some kind words from his players:
"Frank was always there, we could always count on him to help. I'm in total shock"
"Frank was a really special person to me. The only way to describe it is that it feels like I just lost a grandparent. He involved me in everything and went out of his way to make sure I played or was able to help in some way."
"If it wasn't for Frank my husband and I would never have met. He was even at our wedding."
"Frank always pushed for women’s rights, and to promote soccer and especially women’s soccer. I find this all so sad"
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Scarborough Soccer Referees’ Association
Ontario Soccer Association gives out early Christmas Presents!
Congratulations to the following Scarborough Branch Members who were successful in being upgraded to a higher level of refereeing.
We wish them continued success!
Congratulations to Archie McPherson who was successful in being upgraded from a C2 to a C1 referee. Archie in the past was torn between two soccer passions. Refereeing and Coaching. Although Archie was always held in high esteem as a referee. Coaching always got the nod over refereeing until this year
Congratulations to Karim Lila who was successful in being upgraded from a C3 to a C2 referee. This is Karim’s second term as a C2 referee.
Karim started refereeing at the age of 13 in 1978 with the Scarborough Branch and went on to attain C2 status. Karim left refereeing to pursue other options. He returned to refereeing in 2002 and restarted at the bottom as a C4 referee.
Congratulations to Ramee Arbaji who was successful in being upgraded from a C3 to a C2 referee.
Ramee is a young upcoming referee and in just 5 years moved from a C4 to a C2 referee.
Ramee, being a young referee has a lot of time to learn and perfect his refereeing skills and may be, move on to a higher level
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Congratulations to the Scarborough Blizzard Boys U10 Xtreme who won the CESL Cup this weekend in the U10 division. The boys defeated Ajax Venom 2-1 in the semifinals and Whitby A 3 -1 in the finals.
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National All-Star Championships
Congratulations to our Scarborough Representatives
The following players from Scarborough attended the National All-Star Championships for Team Ontario.
Under 16 Girls- Won Bronze Medal
Lacey Warner and Arin King from West Rouge Soccer Club
Under 14 Boys-Won Silver
Hakeem Cameron and Esau Powell from the Wexford Soccer Club
Under 16 Boys-Won Silver
Sean Hart from the West Rouge Soccer Club
Congratulations to these players for your great achievements! The Scarborough Soccer Association is very proud to have you represent the Scarborough District and your clubs!
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Thank you to all the Participants in the Robbie International Soccer Tournament 2007
Congratulations to our three Scarborough teams who represented Scarborough in the Robbie Finals at Birchmount Stadium!
Boys Under 16 Robbie Finalists, the North Scaborough Strikers, and Girls Under 18 Robbie Finalists Scarborough United Flash.
Congratulations to West Rouge Storm Under 15 girls who brought the Robbie Championship home to Scarborough!
Thanks to all the Clubs that convened, the referees who donated their time in over 650 games, the committee who works year round, and to all the volunteers who made this tournament a success!
The Robbie - A Canadian Tradition - Make It Yours!
Click here to visit the Robbie Website.
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Recipients of Long Time Achievement Awards, Scarborough Referees Association
 
Mike Burke presenting Basil Gill and Don Pearce with referees awards
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WOMEN'S ANNUAL INDOOR S CCER TOURNAMENT
Was donated to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, Ontario Chapter.
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Congratulations to Michael Prouse (below middle) who was awarded the Dickinson Award presented to the 2007 outstanding male athlete of Univ. of Toronto Scarborough Campus. Mike also was awarded Athlete of the Term for fall 06, MVP TriCampus Soccer, Intramural Soccer Champion & Interhouse Divisonal Soccer Champion awards. Mike continues as a level 3 referee with West Rouge Soccer Club & has ref'd the Robbie in the past.
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The Soccer Community is sincerely saddened by the loss of Chris Graham
Article from the Ontario Soccer Association
 VAUGHAN, Friday, January 5, 2007 -- It is with great sadness that I must advise you that Chris Graham passed away today, on Friday, January 5, 2007.
Chris was elected as the Treasurer of The Ontario Soccer Association in 2005 after serving on the OSA Board from 2003 to 2006. Prior to that, he had served on various OSA committees including the Finance Committee. He served on the Durham Region S.A. Board from 1996 to 2005, including three years as President, four years as Vice President and two years as Treasurer.
Chris held various positions with the Pickering Soccer Club from 1980 to 2005 and also served as a coach with the Whitby Iroquois Soccer Club.
He played a valuable role on the Organizing Committee of the Robbie Tournament for many years, creating ties with the Pickering Soccer Community.
He was well liked and greatly respected by players, coaches, referees, and administrators at all levels of soccer in Ontario.
We have lost one of the finest persons involved in soccer and he will be greatly missed.
Chris had a very positive impact on the game of soccer in Ontario and touched many people in the soccer community.
The OSA extends its deepest sympathies to Chris' wife Barb and their three sons: Michael, Kevin and Jeff.
May Chris rest in eternal peace.
Please follow this link for more information.
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| 2006 News |
The SCARDESO Mini Soccer Festival for SOS Children’s Villages Canada involved a total of 28 teams in a one-day festival on Saturday August 26th. Each team played 3 games, and the event raised $2,000 for SOS Children’s Villages, and its “6 Villages for 2006” program in cooperation with FIFA. Guest teams from Aurora and Ajax helped make the day enjoyable.
CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS ON THE SCARDESO |
September 20, 2006 -
The ALBERT CAMPBELL ALL-STAR/SELECT TOURNAMENT held this past weekend was a great success! The Scarborough tradition brought in a total of 157 teams in both the girls and boys divisions! This could not have happened without the help of volunteers from the following Scarborough Clubs: Scarborough Azzurri, Scarborough Blizzard, Clairlea-Westview, North Scarborough, Scarborough Rangers, Scaborough United, West Rouge, Wexford and Malvern!
CLICK HERE FOR THE TOURNAMENT RESULTS! |
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THE ROBBIE INTERNATIONAL SOCCER TOURNAMENT CELEBRATES 40 YEARS!
This past weekend was the 40th Edition of the Robbie International Soccer Tournament. Teams participated this year from all across Ontario and Canada including Quebec, Manitoba, and Alberta. Teams also travelled from Rochester, Buffalo and Tennessee. Our furthest entry this year was in the Boys Under 18 Division; the Trendsetter Hawks ventured in from Trinidad and Tobago, winning their division and advancing to the quarter finals. All together it was another fabulous year of the Robbie, and another sixty thousand dollars raised for the two receiving charities, Cystic Fibrosis and Muscular Dystrophy!
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| NEW CSA RULE REGARDING JEWELERY PLEASE CLICK HERE |
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