June 4, 2024...York United FC introduce their new head coach Benjamin Mora (recorded by Rocket Robin)

All the audio from the press conference where Benjamin Mora was introduced as the new head coach of York United FC

The press conference started at 2:15pm.

If I ask the question it's in bold lettering.


York United FC president Ricardo Pascal, new head coach Benjamin Mora, and sporting director Jorge Villalpando

complete audio of the press conference (38 minutes, 24 seconds)

Introduction of participants.
What did you know about this league before you got this position?
(for Ricardo) What was the process in making the selection for the coaching position?
When you heard the news you were selected what came through your mind and what is you first impression of Toronto?
Have you been able to meet the players?
What kind of a shock is it for you to be introduced on the same day as the Canada vs Mexico Women's friendly takes place (downtown)? Now the Zoom callers questions:
What kind of football do you want your team to play?
What are your thoughts on the current roster? Does a lot or a little bit of work need to be done?
What are the keys off the field to build a winning culture?
(for Ricardo) Are the remaining coaching staff staying or will they be replaced?
How do you expect the next six or seven games to go as you build your philosophy of play? What are you looking towards?
How are going to development the young talent on your team?
What are the ambitions for this season such as to win the regular season title?
(for Ricardo) How easy was it to bring Ben Mora to the club?
Some questions in Spanish (from the 24 minute mark)
(translated by Ricardo) How important is it to your Mexican ownership is it to contribute to the Canadian landscape
and do you think more Latin American players will want to play here?
What are the areas that you will be focusing on to launch a winning culture
and what do you say to your old fans with the expectations of what you want to do?
What will you say to the fans watching this team?

The interview ends and the three pose for pictures. There are a lot of photographers here that I don't recognize.


Ricardo Pascal, Benjamin Mora, and Jorge Villapando hold a 2024 customized kit


York United FC new head coach Benjamin Mora is draped in a team scarf

I had been to a fan party for The Voyageurs (Canadian National teams fan club) last night where the directors of the new AFC Toronto (women's team in the new Northern Premier League) were guests and asked one of them if there was any cooperation between them and York United FC about stadium sharing such as York Lions Stadium or the Woodbine Racetrack facility. They answered "We are still in talks". I asked Ricardo Pascal about that today and he agreed.

On my way out I noticed in the lobby was packed with young teenage boys and their parents. I went outside and noticed a table with a paper banner hanging from it with the York United FC crest and a woman behind it in a chair with a notepad of names. I asked her what was going on and she said they were starting tryouts for their 'Pathway to Pro' program. An intern came outside and answered her that they had 17 so far (who showed up so far as a school day was just ending). The women answered me that the previous day they were testing another age group and it sounded like tomorrow would be yet another. I noticed that Benjamin Mora had made his way down to field level to pose for some of those same photographers who were upstairs minutes before.


Yes you potential future players have come to the right place.

Now it's time for me to take the subway (Pioneer Village Station) is just across the driveway) downtown to see the Canadian Women's Friendly against Mexico at BMO Field!

Wow I got in the first question! I figured a good first question to set up how he got here. Bigger than Jimmy Olsen! Yeah I expect because the heavy hitters weren't here but on the Zoom call. I counted about 20 people here for the press conference.

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