The GSSC (Greater Sudbury Soccer Club) Impact U18 are finding a way to make due.
Under the direction of coach Matthew Sartor, the Impact will take to the highways this weekend, competing in the 28th Cameron Memorial Tournament in Trenton this weekend.
With a pair of encounters on Saturday against the Georgetown SC Mustangs and the Quinte West Wolverines and a Sunday matchup with Ottawa South United Force, the team will continue to forge forward in a summer that saw their division within the Toronto Soccer League fold just prior to the start of the 2026 season.
Having already competed at showdowns in Peterborough and Ottawa and with a few friendlies on the side, the second of the U18 boys teams under the umbrella of the GSSC are finding a way to keep the lads engaged.
“With the tournaments, it gives us those bonding experiences, as a team,” said Nick Grebe, a 17 year-old preparing to enter year one of his Psychology studies at Laurentian University and now in his third year with this team. “We go out of town for a few nights and play multiple games.”
“It gives us a chance to come together and work as a team, better than we ever have before.”
With family roots in South Africa and a soccer affiliation within the Grebe clan to Manchester United, Nick was destined to find his home on a pitch, typically as an attacking midfielder over the years. “I can use both of my feet reasonably well,” he said, explaining the fit between skill-set and position.
“I can cross with both my left and my right. I take shots with both my left and my right.”
As for the upcoming weekend, Grebe and company are anxious to reap the benefits of the time and effort they have invested in search of headway. "One of the things we have been working on is our ball movement, moving up the field, passing it within short distances and not just playing the long balls," said Grebe.
"We are focused on keeping clean sheets, every single game," he added. "Our defense is solid, we have a good goalkeeper - and it starts with our midfield and attack, with us pressing."
Joining the team for the first time this summer, Lasalle Secondary senior Reid Faux noted the highly inclusive vibes, right from day one with this group. “The boys are awesome; they’re electric,” said the young man who began his competitive soccer journey at the age of 11 or 12.
“They welcomed me with open arms. The coach has been great, showing me the ropes. I want to be there to help them win another tournament.”
With more than solid showings in their first two tournaments of the summer – including a win in Peterborough – the U18 Impact lads are looking to keep their luck rolling, with Faux central to their hopes as he adjust with a slight move from a central defensive midfielder slot to a central attacking midfielder slot alongside Grebe in Trenton.
“When I was playing deeper (CDM), I was always wanting the ball, wanting to distribute the ball,” he said. “Now I am receiving the ball and turning and trying to finish. Playing deeper, I never really had that many opportunities to shoot. Now that I am higher, I have to be clinical with those chances I get.”
As for his team's chances in Trenton, Faux boiled it down to a few priority items. "The big thing is our positive attitude, tracking back and working hard, moving the ball and working as a team."
Rounding out the 2026 U18 Impact (Team Sartor) roster are Ahmeed Adeleye, Juan Angel Guzman, Rashaun Asare-Corbiere, Jonathan Bomani, Carter Cantin, Isaac Contois-Ndlovu, Colton Cooke, Thomas Dzivy, Ryder Hewlett, Maximus Jolette, Sami Kaidi, Hadi Najem, Brayden Sartor, Benjamin Squires, Sky Ung and team manager Stephanie Sartor.
