April 17, 2008
\"CANADIAN UNIVERSITIES OFFER GREAT OPTIONS\"
The Oakville Soccer Club was pleased to welcome Paul James, Head Coach of the York University Lions, as a guest speaker to discuss the opportunities that Canadian universities provide for soccer players.
"Being an alumni of the Oakville Soccer Club myself, it is always a pleasure for me to come back to Oakville," said Paul James. "It is great to see the OSC wanting to provide all the information it can for players interested to play at the university level, both in Canada and in the U.S. The rules have changed in Canada and we now offer great opportunities with quality education."
Paul James spoke to over 90 parents and players of the under 15 to under 18 rep teams at the Oakville Town Hall. The main theme of the presentation was the debate between Canadian and American sport schools. Using themes such as recruiting process, parental involvement, scholarships and academics, he provided insight and information regarding the advantages and disadvantages of the Canadian and American soccer systems.
"It was a tremendous opportunity for our players and parents to hear first hand the opportunities within the Canadian Universities system," said Brett Mosen, OSC Technical Director. "The presentation was impressive, informative and allowed time for Paul to answer direct questions from the audience. The purpose of this presentation was to offer our college bound players a clearer understanding of the opportunities here with Canadian schools to that of the more glamorized opportunities in the USA. We see these types of presentations as part of one of the many services we provide for our members here at OSC. I thank everyone who attended the event & specially thank Paul James for offering his services to our club."
After two and a half hours of information, including a question and answer session, Paul ensured that all players and parents went home much more educated on the differences and opportunities provided to the American and Canadian soccer university systems.
After his playing career ended, Paul began to coach and earned six Coach of the Year Awards for achievements such as leading the National Youth team to the finals of the World Youth Championship in Argentina 2001. Paul is currently the Director of Soccer at York University.
Originally born in Wales, Paul gained local fame in Canada by developing into a top class midfield player while playing with the Toronto Blizzard. During this time he also became a regular player with the national team and even scored a critical goal for Canada when playing against Costa Rica in 1985. This goal would help qualify Canada for the 1986 FIFA World Cup finals, where Paul would play in all three games. While best remembered for his career with Toronto, Paul also went on to play for other teams such as Hamilton Steelers, London Lazers and Ottawa Intrepid.
(Source: Oakvile Soccer Club)
"Being an alumni of the Oakville Soccer Club myself, it is always a pleasure for me to come back to Oakville," said Paul James. "It is great to see the OSC wanting to provide all the information it can for players interested to play at the university level, both in Canada and in the U.S. The rules have changed in Canada and we now offer great opportunities with quality education."
Paul James spoke to over 90 parents and players of the under 15 to under 18 rep teams at the Oakville Town Hall. The main theme of the presentation was the debate between Canadian and American sport schools. Using themes such as recruiting process, parental involvement, scholarships and academics, he provided insight and information regarding the advantages and disadvantages of the Canadian and American soccer systems.
"It was a tremendous opportunity for our players and parents to hear first hand the opportunities within the Canadian Universities system," said Brett Mosen, OSC Technical Director. "The presentation was impressive, informative and allowed time for Paul to answer direct questions from the audience. The purpose of this presentation was to offer our college bound players a clearer understanding of the opportunities here with Canadian schools to that of the more glamorized opportunities in the USA. We see these types of presentations as part of one of the many services we provide for our members here at OSC. I thank everyone who attended the event & specially thank Paul James for offering his services to our club."
After two and a half hours of information, including a question and answer session, Paul ensured that all players and parents went home much more educated on the differences and opportunities provided to the American and Canadian soccer university systems.
After his playing career ended, Paul began to coach and earned six Coach of the Year Awards for achievements such as leading the National Youth team to the finals of the World Youth Championship in Argentina 2001. Paul is currently the Director of Soccer at York University.
Originally born in Wales, Paul gained local fame in Canada by developing into a top class midfield player while playing with the Toronto Blizzard. During this time he also became a regular player with the national team and even scored a critical goal for Canada when playing against Costa Rica in 1985. This goal would help qualify Canada for the 1986 FIFA World Cup finals, where Paul would play in all three games. While best remembered for his career with Toronto, Paul also went on to play for other teams such as Hamilton Steelers, London Lazers and Ottawa Intrepid.
(Source: Oakvile Soccer Club)
