It’s only one game, so make of that what you will – but a 4-2 win over Jarvis SC Academy in the iModel system debut for the GSSC (Greater Sudbury Soccer Club) Impact U15 boys last weekend is just the latest in a series of positives for a sport that knows many a reason for optimism, at the moment.

For years, local soccer folk had espoused the potential benefits of an indoor facility that mimicked a full size outdoor pitch in this city – a real “game changer”, as they stressed over and over again.

The simple truth is that this Impact team that is looking to earn a spot in the loop that sits one level below the OPDL (Ontario Player Development League) – the Cadillac in youth soccer circles in this province – is coming off a highly competitive winter spent facing opponents from southern Ontario in Provincial Indoor League play.

The influx of new Canadians to the region has allowed for another stable of young athletes in Sudbury, but one where families are not bound by an attachment to hockey that is engrained from birth.

Consider, for a moment, that the more-than-solid formation that Francois Nzotungwanimana (and previously Mario Ceccon) have assembled was not even at full strength for their opening encounter, with four players (all normally starters) unavailable and another one lost to injury just ten minutes in.

“The guys hustled and fought all the way to the end,” noted coach Nzotungwanimana. “That’s one thing that we have instilled in these boys – the game is not over until the final whistle is blown. And we redeployed players and put Jared up front.”

Great call, apparently.

A native of Hamilton who moved to Sudbury two years ago, Jared Ferguson-Whitely netted all four Impact goals on the weekend, creating one completely on his own and finishing the work of several teammates in rounding out his quartet of strikes after moving from defender to striker early in the game.

“I usually played as wingback or winger, but as I got more athletic, I think I am able to play anywhere on the field now,” said the 14 year-old grade nine student at Lockerby Composite, adding that the foundation of his versatility dates back to his time in Steeltown.

“I learned a lot about positioning there,” noted Ferguson-Whitely, a talented and speedy left-footer who played a couple of years of competitive soccer in Hamilton before joining the Impact last summer. “They taught me a lot and when I came up here, I was able to fit in well with the team.”

“Playing different parts of the field does require a big adjustment, but when you get used to it, it helps develop your complete understanding of the game.”

This, however, is far more than a one man team.

“We’ve got a very strong defense line and very creative midfielders,” said Nzotungwanimana.

“They will get on the scoresheet but they also contribute to the front line, with the strikers and forwards there to take in rebounds and things like that.”

In particular, he was pleased with the work of Connor Nicholson, Roman Mamonov, Jason Uloghobui (“he’s not usually a starter but he capitalized on his time on the field and was very effective”), and defender Wesley Forest as well as centerback Sam Julius, the anchor to his back-line wall.

“Due to my speed and stamina, the coaches say that I am better at centerback or centre defensive midfielder,” said Julius, a native of Nigeria who moved to Canada at the age of nine and up to Sudbury some four years ago.

While his style of play would undergo a metamorphosis when he relocated halfway across the globe – “in Nigeria, the soccer was very rough, with no strategy” – his biggest area of improvement has been the afore-mentioned stamina.

“When I started last year, I was barely able to finish a half,” said Julius. “Now, I am able to play the full half or both halves. Also, I am able to shoot a lot better and control the ball a lot better.”

“Sam is outstanding,” beamed Nzotungwanimana. “He unleashes everything you can think of – so it’s difficult to get past him.”

Roughly 80 yards downfield, Jared Ferguson-Whitely is doing his thing thanks to a skill-set that is serviceable most everywhere, but especially valued up top of the formation. “I am a very athletic guy so I have the speed; I understand how to beat a defender one on one; I have a good shot with my left and I can score with my right as well,” he said.

“All of those things help with my goal scoring – and knowing what you want to do with the ball when you get it.”

Of course, having teammates who can get you the ball in advantageous positions really allows the finishers to shine. “My teammates know that I’m a guy who likes to use my speed,” said Ferguson-Whitely. “I try and position myself where they can play a ball through to me.”

With the U15 Impact boys set to open the home portion of their schedule on May 12th at 3:00 p.m. versus the Bradford Wolves, the lads are simply thankful that this opportunity now exists, noting a higher level of play, even in their brief experience to date.

“So far, the teams are different due to their intensity and their passion for the game,” suggested Julius.

“It’s good that we are stepping up,” added Ferguson-Whitely. “We’ve seen we can keep up with these teams. We know that we can compete at this level.”

Rounding out the 2024 Impact U15 boys roster are Juan Acevedo, Noah Palladino, Costa Urso, Harry Yeamans, Matteo Ceccon, Zackary Arsenault, Reid Faux, Frank Nzotungwanimana, Grayson Giordano, Alex Asselin, Landen Lake-Rego, Joshua Reich and Asher Stevenson.

Impact soccer action at home this weekend includes the U14 boys welcoming Jarvis SC Academy to the turf of James Jerome at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, followed by the Impact U15 girls and Vaughan at 3:00 p.m. and wrapping up with the first league game for the Sudbury Cyclones