Many of the countries competing in the World Cup finals seem to be reflected in the diverse members who make up the York Jets Soccer Club.
"It’s in their blood and they live to play the game," said Pete Karageorgos, director of the York Jets Soccer Club, of the about 600 local youth registered to play this season.
It’s not surprising as many of the youth aged five to 18 playing in the league, who now live in the former city of York, originally come from countries where soccer is as popular as hockey is in Canada.
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Considered "the world’s game," Karageorgos said the sport’s popularity around the world is because it’s accessible to children regardless of income.
"That’s the great thing about soccer," said Karageorgos, noting all that’s needed are kids with energy and a desire to play, a ball and a field. "It’s a much cheaper sport to play than hockey."
The York Jets Soccer Club, which has been operating for more than 30 years, strives to provide a league for local kids living in a low-income neighbourhood.
"We’re serving the needs of a needy community," said Karageorgos, adding volunteer coaches help make playing in their league affordable. "Really it’s about the volunteers and people who want to make an investment. We’re always looking for more volunteers."
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That will be especially important as he hopes more youth will join soccer leagues across the city with the excitement level building thanks to the World Cup action this summer.
"Everyone would love to see Canada make it to that level and compete in the World Cup," Karageorgos said. "I think it’ll raise the profile of soccer in Canada."
Former York Jets players like Ashtone Morgan, who currently plays for the Toronto FC, will also help increase the interest in youth to play soccer as there are more local players to look up to and emulate.
Locally, Karageorgos added, the whole neighbourhood would ultimately benefit from having kids in the area come together from all backgrounds to play.
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