SOLVAY, N.Y. (NCC News) – The Syracuse Development Academy is a soccer program based in Solvay. They are a renowned program that has seen former players go on to play for different colleges. SDA’s Under-16 squad has endured a successful season and it’s not over just yet. They are gearing up for the Eastern Regional Championships in West Virginia.
They are led by one of Syracuse University’s coaches Jukka Masalin. He has been at the helm for three years. He has led them to multiple titles in his tenure as coach, including the Disney Cup, Potomac Memorial Tournament, and the New York State Cup West.
Star winger and attacking midfielder Gavin Ribarovski has been on SDA teams for about a decade. He says that whenever he goes to training, the atmosphere is vibrant.
“All the jokes within a team, like, even us having water fights after practice just feel so good and just makes me want to come to practice every day,” he said.
Their New York State Cup West victory automatically qualified the team for the regional championships. The competition down south is a chance for the team to add to their collection. Yet, attacking midfielder Will Stevens says the camaraderie and chemistry within the squad is their biggest success.
“My greatest achievement I think, I don’t even know if it’s one of these tournaments,” he said. “I think it’s just how well we play as a team. I mean, I think everyone gets along well, and, I mean, that’s what makes a great team.”
Masalin’s three years overseeing the team’s progress have been highlighted by some high profile victories. He says watching them develop their game as young players is the key facet of his coaching experience.
“It’s awesome,” he said. “It’s rewarding because you see them develop, you know, long strides in just within a season in the months. So, you can kind of see them grow, gain muscle quickness, everything else.”
Throughout the knockout stages of the New York State Cup West, no team was able to unlock their defense.
In preparation for their trip to West Virginia to compete among the region’s best teams, he says the team will be a match for anyone and will leave their mark on the field.
“I think we can go and compete with anybody who comes around in there,” he said. “Confidently I think we can go and step on the field and give tough times for anybody who comes against us.”
Along with SDA’s U16 squad, the U15 and U17 teams will join them to compete in Charleston from June 27 to July 3.
