Important Message from TASC Board of Directors

We are hopeful that this communication finds you, your family and friends in good health.

The Board of Directors is meeting weekly through video conferencing to remain focused and up to date on the issues relating to the suspension of soccer in our Province and Country due to the COVID-19 virus.  We are still on target to have a season of soccer activities for 2020.  We have the opportunity for a later startup than normally planned but please be assured we are working on detailed plans and activities for the community for the summer season.  Recently our Operations group who are meeting regularly as well (virtually) conducted video conferencing sessions with our Coaches and Match Officials for the 2020 summer season.  These sessions of communication will continue throughout the month of April and May.

Going forward, the Board of Directors goal is to keep you informed through bi-weekly newsletter updates through the month of April and May.  In addition, if you can volunteer as a coach or sign up for a match official responsibility to assist us that would be welcome as well.

Communication from our Provincial and National Governing Bodies

Ontario Soccer, in consultation with Canada Soccer, have been monitoring the most recent developments with the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and the emerging public health crisis and are currently assessing operations and deciding cancellations on a month-to-month basis as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to unfold.

At this time, Ontario Soccer is also asking organizations at all levels of membership – District, Club and Ontario Registered Academies (ORA) – to actively communicate our official information updates to their soccer community members by posting on their website, sharing it via email and using social media. We have received a variety of direct inquiries from participants (and parents) requesting information. It is critical that all Soccer Clubs and ORAs keep their members informed during these challenging times.

As social or physical distancing is not a concern in an online, isolated environment, activities that can be completed online, such as Match Official Accreditation Clinics, some Coaching Courses, registering for future events and competitions such as Ontario Cup, or the outdoor season registration and other activities that do not require public or private gathering, will continue until further notice.

 Financing 

Please note that we are still accepting player registrations for the summer soccer season.  We have extended the opportunity to win a free registration for a girl and boy to April 30, 2020.  In addition, for those parents who have not registered their son or daughter as of April 1, 2020, the Board of Directors encourages you to do so.  The Board having recognized the financial difficulties families may be facing during this COVID 19 crisis has approved a deferred payment registration process for your son and/or daughter for the upcoming summer soccer season.  With this deferred payment option, you may register up to and including May 1st 2020.  This deferred registration fee of $0.00 will hold a spot for your son and or daughter in our summer soccer program. 

When the all clear is given by health experts and the physical distancing restrictions are removed, and people are back to working within normal environments we will collect the registration fee from you.  The registration fee will be based on our 2020 early bird pricing format contingent on the age of your son and or daughter.  We will also set up registration payment plans as necessary to ease the financial burden that everyone is facing today.  As our Chairperson of the Board of Directors, Mr. Bob Iarusci has stated “we must put trust in each other and do the right thing for our children, our families and our communities”.

 Toronto Azzurri Soccer Club Upcoming Video Conferencing Sessions

Everyone is welcome to participate on these calls and activity sessions that we are conducting virtually.  There is no charge to participate.

Match Official Education Sessions: April 2, 2020 at 7:30 p.m; April 9, 2020 at 7:30 p.m.; and April 23, 2020 at 7:30 p.m.

Coaching Education Sessions:         April 18, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. and May 2, 2020 at 10:00 a.m.

In addition to the above we are offering a special Entry Level Course for Match Officials on the weekend of April 25 and 26th 2020.  There is a cost to this course. (see website).  With the restrictions in place on physical distancing the course will be held in two parts.

To register for Coaching sessions please contact Michael Macri at m.macri26@gmail.com or call 416-451-0631

To register for Match Official sessions please contact Bruno Macri at bruno_macri10@hotmail.com or call 416-402-8078

 Summary

The Board of Directors is looking at all options and issues relating to our youth having some form of physical activity this summer.  As Charlie Brown would say “Good Grief we need to get out of our homes and residences and have some fresh air and fun at the Toronto Azzurri Soccer Club this summer”.  We are very concerned about the health and safety of your family and friends and we would never compromise on health and safety concerns.  However, when the all clear is given by the health experts and government officials, let us all be organized and in a good place where the children are back to normal summer activities and soccer competition and development is enjoyed by all. 

In the interim let’s do what the experts say, most importantly our part of maintaining social distancing, being patient with each other, wash our hands frequently and look out and care for each other.

Sincerely:

The Board of Directors

Upcoming Events

 Golf Tournament – July 29, 2020
The Board of Trade C.C. Course
20 Lloyd Street, Woodbridge, ON  L4L 1B1

Wall of Fame Gala – October 22, 2020
Fontana La Primavera Event Centre         
77 Woodstream Blvd Vaughan, ON, L4L 7Y6

For any questions, comments or concerns please call us at the office:  416-782-1578

Stay healthy!  Stay Safe!                                

Next newsletter to be issued.  April 18, 2020.

2020 Outdoor Soccer Registration

The Board having recognized the financial difficulties families may be facing during this COVID 19 crisis has approved a deferred payment registration process for your son and/or daughter for the upcoming summer soccer season.  With this deferred payment option, you may register up to and including May 1st 2020.  This deferred registration fee of $0.00 will hold a spot for your son and or daughter in our summer soccer program. 

When the all clear is given by health experts and the physical distancing restrictions are removed, and people are back to working within normal environments, we will collect the registration fee from you.  The registration fee will be based on our 2020 early bird pricing format contingent on the age of your son and or daughter.  We will also set up registration payment plans as necessary to ease the financial burden that everyone is facing today.  As our Chairperson of the Board of Directors, Mr. Bob Iarusci has stated “we must put trust in each other and do the right thing for our children, our families and our communities”.

Register for Summer Soccer

Registration for the 2020 outdoor season is in progress. We have made it easy by providing 3 options.

  1. Use our online registration service.
  2. You can register in person at the Toronto Azzurri Youth Sports Village.
  3. Download the registration form in PDF format.

By registering with the Toronto Azzurri, you have read and understood the parents and players Code of Conduct.

1. Register Online

Register and pay with cash. You can register now but you must arrange to pay either in cash at our office located at 4995 Keele Street or by mailing a cheque payable to Toronto Azzurri Soccer Club.  Vistit the “Contact Us” page for office hours.
Register and pay with a credit card.  Your credit card will be billed.  (We care about your credit card security. Find out more.)

When you complete and submit the online form, you will receive a confirmation email confirming your registration. To qualify for current pricing, payment must be received by April 30, 2020. 

2. Register in Person

For all on-site registration, you must go to the  LiUNA Clubhouse at the Toronto Azzurri Youth Sports Village – 4995 Keele Street Toronto

Weekday Registration

Monday – 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Tuesday – 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Thursdays – 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Saturday Registration Dates

10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Shoes and Shin Guards are available for purchase in our office.

  • Shoes are $20 each pair
  • Shinguards are $10 each pair

When you show up for registration, you will need your child’s birth certificate and a registration fee payable by either cash or cheque.

Note: Credit card or Debit services are not available at the Toronto Azzurri Youth Sports Village.

3. Download the Form

Download the PDF Registration form.  Complete the form and either email, fax or mail the information to the Azzurri office. If you mail the form, please enclose a cheque only…do not send cash in the mail.  You can also pay in person at the Azzurri office.  Contact info.   A copy of your child’s birth certificate is required at registration.

2020 Pricing

Fee schedules are based on assigned divisions.  Current fee prices apply to registrations received before February 15th.

Year Born Assigned Division 2020 Fees
2016 4 Yr Old $225.00
2015 5 Yr Old $250.00
2014 6 Yr Old $250.00
2013 7 Yr Old $275.00
2012 8 Yr Old $275.00
2011 9 Yr Old $275.00
2010 10 Yr Old $275.00
2009 11 Yr Old $275.00
2008 12 Yr Old $275.00
2007 13 Yr Old $275.00
2006 14 Yr Old $275.00
2005 15 Yr Old $275.00
2004 16 Yr Old $275.00

Coaches Information Meeting

Even though soccer is currently on hold, we would like to let you know what is planned for this coming season.  Join us Saturday morning for further information.  See below and register with Michael Macri by email:  m.macri26@gmail.com or phone 416.451.0631.  Look forward to chatting on Saturday.

4th Annual Wall of Fame – Postponed

The 4th Annual Toronto Azzurri Soccer Club Wall of Fame takes place on Friday, March 27 starting at 6:30 p.m.  Our inductees this year include:  

    • Pioneers / Builders:  Alberto DiGiovanni and Pasquale Fioccola
    • Players:  Frank Riga
    • Media:  Tony Pavia
    • Coaches / Managers:  Peter Pinizotto
    • Special Recognition:  Ralph Ciccia and Joe Mancuso

The inductee’s bio’s will be uploaded over the next couple of days.
The evening starts with the antipasto at 6:30 p.m. followed by dinner at 7:30 p.m.

Come join the soccer community in recognizing the contributions of the above people. 
Tickets are $125/person and are  available through the office at 416-782-1578

FRANK RIGA

Frank Riga has been a soccer leader in the Hamilton and Southern Ontario region as a player, coach, and administrator for the past 55 years. Born in Mondolfo, PU, Italy, Frank immigrated to Canada at the age of 11. In High School, Frank was an all round athlete excelling in soccer, cross country racing, and high school football, where he received All Star honors in 1964.

Frank’s senior career began in 1966, debuting with the triple champion Hamilton Superga of the Ontario Inter City Soccer League (OICSL). In 1970, Frank’s Hamilton Italo Canadians won the Ontario Cup and was named OICSL MVP in 1971, before a successful 6 year stint in the National Soccer League (NSL). His best years were in 1972 with the legendary Fioigi Pagliuso as coach, and in 1974 when Frank was Italo Canadian’s MVP, reinforcing his reputation as an outstanding defender. In 1977, Frank led FF Binbrook, of the Southern Ontario League, to three consecutive league titles. He went on to coach the Saltfleet Women’s team in the Elite Division of the OWSL, winning the League and Spectator Cup. Frank also assisted McMaster women’s team to National Bronze in 1997.

Frank, post playing and coaching, has enjoyed a successful administration role in the Hamilton soccer community. He proudly was a founding member of the 1st Soccer Coaches Assn of Canada, and was the vice president of friend Mario Di Bartolomeo’s Hamilton Steelers. He founded, and chaired the Hamilton Soccer Council, that fought for fairness in media coverage, and improved city soccer facilities. Frank served as Director and Selection Committee Chair of the Hamilton and District Soccer Council, and was honored in 2015 by being inducted into its Hall of fame. Frank is currently organizing a summer trip to Italy for Brock University men and women’s soccer teams.

ALBERTO DIGIOVANNI

Alberto was born in Roccamorice(PE) in the region of Abruzzo, Italy. In 1963, he left Italy to join his family in Toronto. He attended the University of Toronto, St. Michael’s college, graduating with Hons B.A. and eventually earning a Masters Degree in Italian Language and Literature in 1973.

Alberto has been a champion of the perserverence and promotion of the Italian culture and language for the Italian community primarily in the GTA geography. He has served as President for many cultural organizations such as the Dante Alighieri Society of Toronto.  The Multicultural Theatre Assn. of Ontario and the Metro Communities for International Language. In 1976, Alberto founded the Centro Scuola/Canadian Centre, an institution to promote Italian language through educational and cultural programming with its hub located at the Columbus Center(Lawrence Ave. & Dufferin St.)

In 1983, following Italy’s World Cup Soccer victory in Spain, Alberto gave birth to a Heritage Soccer Tournament involving 32 teams from the GTA. Its success inspired Alberto to create the Centro Scuola Sport Program which included the formation of the C.S. Azzurri SC.  Between 1985-2001, the C.S. Azzurri teams won the prestigious Ontario Cup 15 times! In fact, sparked by annual league and cup trophies, C.S. Azzurri suddenly became the most decorated youth Club in Ontario.. Alberto also organized the participation of C.S. Azzurri teams to participate in the ‘Giochi della Gioventu’ international Tournament winning on three occassions.  C.S. Azzurri was the first N.A. Club to be invited to the world renown Viareggio and Beppe Viola youth Tournaments in Italy.

Together with the Italian Federazione Gioco Calcio, Alberto started up a Soccer School featuring the legendary Francesco Rocca as the head coach. Alberto is very proud to haave been one of two people outside of Italy to have ever been presented the ‘Stella D’Oro al Merito Italiana’ given by CONI(Commitato Olympico Nazionale Nazionale Italiana).

In 2002, Alberto received the ‘Meritorious Service Award’ for his contributions to the growth of Soccer in Ontario.

 

Tryouts & Registration for U15 Boys CSL team

 

The Toronto Azzurri Soccer Club will be entering a Under 15 Boys team in the Central Soccer League this season.

Our tryouts and practice sessions for the Under 15 Boys Regional Team continue this coming Sunday Feb 23, 2020 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at York University Tait McKenzie Building – Field house West.  We will also have sessions at the same time on March 8 and March 29, 2020 at York University.

In addition we also have time slotted for tryouts and training for both age groups on Wednesday evenings (every Wednesday til April 8, 2020) from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at LaLiga Facility located at 1107 Finch Ave West.  The sessions will be lead by our Club Lead Technical Director Franco Perilli and supported by our team coaches.  For the indoor session(s) please wear your Azzurri kit and indoor shoes.

Parents and Guardians please take advantage of these opportunities to have your son participate in these sessions and learn more about our competitive U 15 Boys going forward at the Toronto Azzurri Soccer Club.  The sessions will be lead by our Club Lead Technical Director Franco Perilli and supported by our team coaches.  For the indoor session(s) please wear your Azzurri kit and indoor shoes.

Should you have any questions or need clarification on any of these opportunities don’t hesitate to give me a call.

Ron Smale
289.314.5588
ronsmale@outlook.com

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