Caledon girls called up to Canadian National Team

By Robert Belardi 

Caledon Cyclones central defender Abbey Simpson and midfielder Isabella Mazzaferro were called up to the National Development Centre (NDC) Scouting combine event, hosted by the Canadian National Team last week. 

Women's U20 Director and National Development Centre Ontario Director Joey Lombardi sent Caledon Soccer Club's Technical Director Terry Madison an email on November 16 formally inviting both players. 

In the past, Madison has sent players from Caledon SC to Team Ontario. From the provincial team, players would have the chance to move on the national level. For the first time in Caledon SC history, these girls in particular are being sent directly to the national level. 

“What happens is you have to send in video highlights of a girl or boy to them (Canada Soccer) and they'll look at it. If they're interested they'll ask for more footage,” Madison said. 

“So that's where our program with our VEO camera and in-stat analysis helps. It tells us that our program is moving in the right direction and kids can stay at Caledon Soccer Club and move on to the next level.” 

From the 2005 age group, these girls will have eligibility to play for the U17 and U20 national teams should they pass the combine. 

Known for her intelligence as a defender, Simpson has excellent I.Q in the way the sport needs to be played. 

“You have to be able to play the ball out of the back. She is very good at one, defending and two, winning the ball, taking control of it, taking her time and making passes into the midfield or up to the forward. She is very confident in possession of the ball,” Madison said. 

“Isabella, two key things one is speed. She is phenomenally fast. She plays midfield but she plays wide right most of the time or wide left so she's more attacking. So sheer speed and ability to take players on, run through defences and finish.” 

As of now, it is yet to be determined when the combine will take place.