Chomedey United U-10 team goes undefeated into season play-offs

“It’s given them a summer to remember, and we are all extremely proud of them,” said Bruce Seltzer, proud father and team manager, following the game. “The majority of the team members have been together since 2004. They sealed the deal tonight, working hard and earning themselves an entire season undefeated.”

Coached by Costa Babalis, who also has a son on the team, the 12-boy team is the representative of the Chomedey Soccer Club for the 2008 summer season of competition “A” or the top soccer level in Laval. The team also plays indoors during the winter.

At various matches in and around Laval, Chomedey United U-10 has been bringing home plenty of gold this season, building on the past three successful years. Last weekend, at the Terrebonne Provincial Tournament, they were the champions. At the Brossard Challenge in August, the players were the silver medalists. In June, it was gold again at the St. Eustache Provincial Tournament.

“Our reserve goalie, Steven D’Aversa, actually a U-9 Division 1 player, helped make the difference too,” said Seltzer.

Ten-year-old Edward Lowry-Seltzer, who wears No. 11, was pleased with his performance. “I played good,” he said, with pride. “It’s fun, fun playing with the team.”

The 10-year-old Grade 5 student at Souvenir Elementary School says his coach likes that he “runs fast and scores goals.” He is a forward in both soccer and hockey, and will be trying out for Atom BB this winter, as well as moving up to U-11 soccer.

Seltzer also credits the energy and commitment that he and everyone involved puts into team-building. For the past year and more he’s been hosting a team website that features bios on all the players, plenty of photos, activity updates and notices of practice times and game schedules.

“I like making the kids happy, they deserve it,” said Seltzer. “I’m in the clothing business, so finding ways to get souvenirs like the mini-t-shirt banners I got them this year is easy for me. But mostly I do it for the fun, even being team manager is a joy.”

Sudden death play-off schedule

The play-offs begin Sunday, September 7 with a sudden death game against ´Etoiles de l’Est scheduled for 1:00 pm at Parc Compétence. The final game for the 2008 Division Championships will run the next Sunday.

Regardless of a win or a loss in the play-offs, an undefeated season has rewarded Chomedey United U-10 with enough qualifying points to guarantee entry in the league’s mini-championship tournament to be played against the top teams in the three regions, Laval, Laurentides and Lanaudière.

Keep track of this golden soccer team by visiting their website at www.chomedeyunited.com.

PHOTO DIGITALE : soccer2.jpg