May 29, 2014 League 1 Ontario--Introducing Vaughan Azzurri (from League 1 Ontario website)

  
Introducing Vaughan Azzurri
. Thu May 29 
Written By: Cromie, Chris  

"We're not just playing soccer, we're trying to make well-rounded athletes." For Vaughan Azzurri 
Head Coach Carmine Isacco, it's a process that begins from the ripe age of seven.

At a time when most children are encountering organized sports for the first time, soccer is easily 
the most popular and Isacco doesn't underestimate the importance of making a good first impression.
"From the beginning, we want to develop a relationship between the child and the ball," he adds. 
"So that they not only learn crucial skills, but enjoy the experience."

Core to this aim is the Azzurri training method. From ages seven to eleven, an emphasis is placed 
on individual development. That means basic motor-skills, learning to be comfortable with the ball 
and simple passing. From there, the emphasis shifts to tactical awareness, including formations 
and zonal defence. The challenges may differ between age groups, but the underlying philosophy 
remains the same: hard work and integrity.  Players are encouraged to hone their technique, but 
with a freedom of expression. "We don't want players playing in fear," Isacco says. "You're going 
to make mistakes. Learn by playing." 

At a senior level, it's all about providing a competitive environment. The hope is that players 
plying their trade in League1 Ontario are being primed to perform on the national stage and beyond. 
To assist in this, Azzurri surround the players with coaches who've worked in Europe and the MLS, 
bringing back with them a cache of experience and fresh ideas. They're also given access 
to strength and conditioning facilities and even a sports psychologist. It all goes back to the 
well-rounded athlete approach. Not only are these players being trained to fulfill their sporting 
potential, they're also being guided to ultimately look after their bodies and careers. 

In the short term, the goal is for the club to compete with the best of the best at this level. 
"League1 is the pinnacle of competition for us," Isacco notes. "And we want to show that 
Vaughan Azzurri are the benchmark." It's a formidable task, but the team know they have 
a whole community behind them. The Azzurri have been a consistent staple of Vaughan for more 
than 30 years, and as the city has grown, so have the soccer programs. The support has not 
gone unnoticed. "We definitely get that vibe from the fans, the parents and the volunteers," 
says Isacco. "It speaks to the community's love of the game and it's definitely appreciated."

Vaughan Azzurri open their League1 Ontario campaign at the Ontario Soccer Centre 
on Friday May 30 at 8 p.m. vs Toronto FC Academy.

The club's home opener is scheduled for June 22, 4 p.m. at York Stadium vs Woodbridge Strikers.

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