Rather, it stemmed from the club’s long-term developmental philosophy, which places a strong emphasis in identifying, and grooming, high skilled players from a young age.

It was based on an itinerary Benning had a large influence in creating, since serving as the club’s first full-time technical director from 1995 to 2003 before overseeing their program and serving as a national staff coach with the Canadian Soccer Association for the last 10 years.

“Anyone can identify a good or bad player, but only a few can develop the potential of a bad player into a good player because they understand how to. At the Glen Shields Futbol Club we understand and have a track record to prove it", Benning said.

He was quick to share credit with the club's coaches, most of whom have been involved in their craft at various levels, ranging from the collegiate ranks in the United States and Canada, to the provincial and national stream.

The players, too, were a highly motivated group.

“The players all possessed the same mindset and worked extremely hard for one another in a team environment, understanding their personal success relied on others to be successful as well.”

The Glen Shields club has developed relationships with several U.S. colleges and universities

“The relationships we have with these coaches is based on a personal understanding and trust of developing the players technically and tactically, physically and emotionally for the challenges of university,” he said.

“We, as a staff, who have played in the NCAA or CIS, provided instruction on how to develop a profile, which would be used to market the players to be noticed.

“We found the right school for each player, based on a number of factors. Once the girls were down to three to five choices, we, as a club, assisted them and their parents how to negotiate full student athletic soccer scholarships."

While quick to credit the club and players, Benning also praised the support they have received off the field from teachers who offered the players assistance in writing SAT entrance exams and in developing good study habits.

He also said a good deal of what they have accomplished would not have been possible were it not for the support received from the community in sponsoring the club when they attended numerous college showcase events, south of the border.

“Without these opportunities, as good as the talent of this team was, they would never have been seen,” acknowledged Benning.

The Glen Shields Futbol Club is a not-for-profit, volunteer based organization that has served Vaughan’s Thornhill/Concord community since 1982.

The Glen Shields Futbol Club offers both recreational and competitive programs for youth 4 to 21.