Dennis Goodridge first joined North Toronto Soccer in 2007 as a technical coach in the Competitive Program, and his current role at the club is head coach for the Boys U16 and U17 competitive B teams.
In the past two months, several new faces have joined his squads after five players moved on to A teams, and he is also preparing his boys to compete in the upcoming Hamilton 11v11 tournament.
As a player, Dennis featured for several clubs in Ottawa and Toronto before starting his coaching journey with Etobicoke Canadians while also playing for the club at the time. He then received a phone call from a friend whose son’s team at North Toronto Soccer needed a coach and he subsequently made the full switch to the touchline.
Upon his arrival het met then-Technical Director Martin Harvey who he had lined up against on the field during his playing days. Martin became a mentor and a role model to Dennis who has now been an integral part of the Competitive Program for more than 15 years.
“Competitive, age-group soccer is important in the community, and supporting your local club is a good reward at all ages,” said Dennis.
“It also creates chemistry among teammates which extends into long-lasting friendship, and most players use this adventure to advance into other avenues, gaining experience as students, coaches, referees, managers, or administrator officials.”
The Competitive Program involves two to three training sessions per week and has recently returned outdoors, where it will continue to take place until mid-September before heading indoors during the colder months.
Players compete in local and regional competitions, with weekly matches that complement the practice sessions in developing their soccer skills.
“I have been training with the team, learning how to pass and receive the ball at a tolerable rate. This gives players confidence when they have ownership of the ball.
“Everest Shen has been a standout player because of his determination to work hard at every practice. He is creative, vocal and patient with the ball, and gives and requests for feedback after matches. His ability to learn, listen and adapt are his strong points.
“Eitan Eskinazi has improved significantly in the last two months. He has developed leadership qualities and sets a high standard for the team.
“My target for the next month is passing, receiving, shooting, and finishing. Players need to be committed and learn from their mistakes; hard work pays off.”
