The 2006 St. Albert Impact soccer team, led by head coach Viktor Pulo, is demonstrating exceptional prowess on the soccer pitch this season, starting with a flawless 3-0 record in their first three games.
However, the victories themselves, according to Pulo, are not the only goal. The real victory lies in player development.
“Our team has started the season very strong, but the performances we put on the field have been exceptional. Player development is our main focus. As a whole club, we prioritize performances first and results second."
According to the group’s coach, the true essence of this collection of ‘06 athletes goes beyond the physical field; it lies in their unity.
Pulo said the team's greatest strength is their “sense of family and togetherness among the players and the coaches.”
That unity, Pulo notes, is galvanized by their discipline and strong work ethic.
“The boys also know when it’s time to work and understand when to have fun and when to put their heads down and work hard to find success."
The season hasn't been smooth sailing though, and the group has faced a lot of injuries.
“The school soccer season runs for the whole month of May," he said athletes are under stress trying to manage their school and club committmnts.
But these young athletes are not to be deterred. They are preparing to showcase their skills at the upcoming Champions Showcase in Ottawa, August 5-7, and the Premier International Cup in BC, September 2-4.
Pulo is excited for these opportunities to go up against some of the best youth teams in the country.
Even with these exciting events on the horizon, Pulo said the group’s approach is about more than trophies and titles and rather, it’s about shaping futures.
“The main goal for this season is to push as many players as possible to university scholarships or professional academies. We are preparing our players for that level," Pulo said.
"Our team is a competitive team composed of great talent,” Pulo said.
“All of them have personal goals, and they are working hard to achieve them."
Pulo emphasized the significance of individual player development over game scores or victories, demonstrating a progressive mindset towards youth sports.
"When professional academies and universities are recruiting, they are not going to recruit the whole team but will only look at individuals. That’s why individual player development is the most important. Once everyone understands youth sports are for player development, things start to happen for the athletes," he said.
As the season unfolds, Pulo's optimism is palpable. The group has seen a lot of success so far, and their upward trajectory is cause for a strong feeling of optimism.
"I am excited about the continuous growth and development of these players," Pulo remarked.
