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“We want to make sure kids are playing no matter the level of their abilities. We are there for them.

“So we went to the local clubs and heard what they had to say, and we heard that they needed pro opportunities. With this flexible model, there is truly Soccer For Everyone.”

Photo by Wayne Cuddington / Postmedia

The Fury FC rolled out all 12 current members of the 2019 squad less than two weeks before the official start of training camp. Next week is all about physicals and meetings before they begin indoor workouts in Gatineau on Feb. 4.

Several more players will be added before that date, but Friday was all about connecting with the community.

Veteran Jamar Dixon of Ottawa, Max Tissot of Alymer and youngster Jadon Vilfort, another Ottawa product just 18 years of age, all spoke of the trials and tribulations of reaching the pros.

“Kids today have so much more opportunity than we had,” said Dixon, a Fury midfielder. “When I was younger, I wished for something else because there wasn’t a lot of opportunity.”

Tissot, a defender with the Fury, even had to leave home for a Laval-based sports-étude to take his game to the next level.

Photo by Wayne Cuddington / Postmedia

Vilfort, meanwhile, got a taste of things training last year with the Fury, then made his debut in September and earned a contract.

“I started playing at 12 and just bounced around from team to team,” said Vilfort, another defender. “I frankly just played everywhere I could.

“The Ottawa Fury really presented me with the opportunity to play pro at some point and I got to see the speed of the game. It was really hard at the time, but to get that first contract felt just amazing.”

Club leaders interested in learning more should visit FuryInTraining.com for more information.

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