OSU Force Academy Players Assaf, Carlini and Essoussi head to Toronto F.C. Academy
Ottawa, ON (February 24th, 2017) OSU Force Academy is very pleased to announce that Daniel Assaf, Antonio Carlini and Mehdi Essoussi have joined the Toronto F.C. Academy Program this winter. Having three players from the same team advance into a MLS Academy simultaneiously is an incredible achievement for our club.
Daniel Assaf joined OSU at U9 and quickly worked his way up to the OSU Force Black Team. He became a dominant centre-forward who continued to produce goals, even as the team entered into the OPDL in 2013. Assaf has been recognized as a member of Team Ontario as well as a call-up to the U15 Boys National Team Camp.
Antonio Carlini joined OSU at U12 as an impressive centre-midfielder. His technical ability, passion and intensity in training and games helped him stand out at the provincial level. He has also been a member of Team Ontario as well as receiving an invitation to a Regional National ID Camp for Canada. Antonio's sister, Amelia will also graduate from OSU this fall by joining Cape Breton University.
Mehdi Essoussi joined OSU at U9 and again at U13, after time overseas. His individual ability, first as a winger stood out provincially before transitioning into an attacking midfield role. He has been a member of Team Ontario, while receiving an invitation to the Regional National ID Camp for Canada. He was also part of a select team through Puma who travelled to Italy to train and compete with the Italian National Team.
"To have three players move into a professional academy from this team is a great achievement for us. During their time in OSU, these boys have consistently dedicated themselves each time they step on the field to better themselves. At their age, they now have a great opportunity in front of them, to maximize their development in the game. They will need to continue to demand more of themselves in the Toronto F.C. Academy," noted Club Technical Director, Paul Harris.
OSU would like to thank the many coaches who have assisted in the development of these players over the years, including: Martin McCoy, Chris Yzerman, Dave Barbier, Jacques Barbier, Craig Stead, Paul Harris and Simon Wilshaw.
Good luck from all of us in the OSU Family!
About Ottawa South United
Ottawa South United (OSU) is a soccer club based in Canada's capital, Ottawa. With some 6800 members, it is one of the largest, as well as most successful clubs in Ontario and Canada. Over 160 OSU Players have moved on to play university and college soccer both in the United States in Canada since 2003. In addition, multiple OSU players have moved on to professional clubs both in the MLS and Europe with many featuring for the Canadian national program.
-30-
