Brandon has been at North Toronto Soccer for almost two years, working in the Advanced Development Program for U11 to U12 and the Talented Pathway program.
Brandon began coaching while in university completing his undergraduate degree and is motivated to help young players reach their potential.
Over the last few months Brandon has been developing the club’s U15 and U17 girls OPDL teams – the former were impacted by injuries in the season which positively challenged the team to pull together and achieve results, while after a slow start for the U17’s season, they built a seven-game undefeated streak that qualified them for the upcoming Premier Division.
For Brandon personally, the highlight hasn’t necessarily been results on the field, more so how the girls have grown as people on the field.
“My highlight over the first half of the OPDL season is seeing the maturity of both groups,” he said. “Individuals have taken leadership roles and found their voice, and the teams are finding ways to unite as a group.
“Both groups are very different from each other but exciting to watch in their own way, and they have many standout players that have been performing very well over the first half of the season.
“There’s maturity and deep-rooted confidence in the U17s and it’s the most enjoyable part of the job. This team has faced going down early many times this season; however, they have proven time and time again that they have the will to compete to the final whistle. I am very much looking forward to what the OPDL Premier Division brings for both groups and seeing how they respond to the challenges ahead.”
In training, Brandon has been focusing heavily on finding solutions – based on different tactical challenges opponents impose – to entering the final quarter of the field and finishing these opportunities by scoring goals.
On the defensive side, there’s been an emphasis on winning the ball early given that both the U15 and U17 teams enjoy being in possession.
“We focus on these areas with a variety of activities and with a balance of implicit and explicit feedback. It has been important to me to allow the players to try to solve the challenges presented together as a team.
“The main message I try to share with the players is that they can achieve anything by believing in themselves, their teammates, and the game plan we’ve developed over the course of the season.
“The players have set their eyes on trying to finish top three to find their way to the Charity Shield. My focus is on working with the group to find our next level and assisting those that want to increase their range of abilities and become stronger players.
“Their wherewithal to find confidence in their own ability and in each other has been the real contributors to our success over the past two months.”
Brandon also sees the growth in both teams as a result of being in a thriving competitive sports environment, helping to bring the best out of those on the field.
“Competitive sports is very important to the local community for what athletes are able to learn from their participation; there is more learning for athletes off the field rather than directly on the field.
“Audrea Au-Pronovost is a player who has not only put in a lot of hard work over the course of this season, but she has taken the initiative to own her development by coming forward and asking good questions after reflecting on her performances in training and games. She then works to apply her learnings and continue the conversation.
“There are many benefits to physical activity, like problem-solving, and skill acquisition that will serve them many years after they decide to focus in other areas of their lives. The experience of receiving and providing feedback to teammates and coaches, executive functioning skills, and socio-emotional benefits are transferable from the field and into their professional lives.”
