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By Dan Plouffe
Wednesday night’s Ontario Player Development League game will be remembered for its thrilling ending, which saw Ottawa TFC pull off a dramatic 2-1 comeback against Ottawa South United. However, the true victory belongs to soccer in Ottawa.
The packed Millennium Park stadium showcased the thriving football culture in the capital. This U15 boys’ match between two unbeaten local teams attracted more fans than many university soccer matches do.
As soon as the final whistle blew, young fans rushed onto the field, reminiscent of celebrations following major college American football games.
The winning players from Ottawa TFC came together for an energetic chant in French, echoing the atmosphere of a professional or international soccer event, but it was all happening on a community field in Cumberland.
“It was unbelievable, really,” exclaimed Ottawa TFC coach Cian Lynch with a smile. “Seeing the joy on not just the players’ faces but also on those in the stands makes all those long hours worthwhile. It’s something special.”
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This match may not have been a masterpiece of beautiful soccer – there was more kicking than passing compared to what both teams usually display against others – likely due to the pressure felt by developing players on such a big stage.
“It’s a local derby. Tensions are high. It’s never going to be pretty football,” Lynch admits.
But it was entertaining, and an entire community came out to enjoy an event that had mostly flown under the radar until now.
Brogan Engbers, now 26 and advancing in coaching circles, found himself amazed by the turnout, unlike anything he experienced during his playing days at that level.
“I never played in front of a crowd like that,” laughed Ottawa TFC’s high performance director. “The skill level is much higher now too. Back when I played, there were only a few standout players on each team. Now you’ve got 22 players capable of competing at a high level.
“Players getting to showcase their abilities before an excited crowd is special, especially this time of year; it really means something.”
A decade ago in OYSL action, Team Canada star Jonathan David marveled at how many people turned up for his Gloucester Hornets’ U15 rivalry match with OSU. It seems amusing to think back then-those lawn chairs did indeed line up along the sidelines near where water drained away!
A decade later, an OPDL clash fills not just bleachers but also parts of grass alongside them as enthusiastic youth players soak up every moment.
This is where teenagers want to spend their evenings with friends.
No halftime show like you’d see at professional games exists here; what happens naturally on-field is far better.
You’ll find half of the crowd spilling onto the pitch as kids kick around countless balls while young players energized by this atmosphere jump at every chance they get for practice.
You can hear parents chatting with accents from various parts of the world adding extra flavor and life to this global sport that has made its home in Ottawa.
Behind one set of bleachers, U10 kids eagerly help serve drinks while coaching staff manning BBQs whip up tasty food. On another sideline are general managers from both clubs showing their dedication.
No one questions where they’d rather be this evening-even if they’re not connected directly to either team; it’s about their club and community.
“It’s brilliant,” says Lynch proudly. “We pride ourselves on being a club focused on people first; good values matter more than simply winning-a fact that’s evident today.
“It’s eight-thirty p. m., Wednesday night-the night before school and work-and look around: parents, kids cousins-even dogs-everyone’s here supporting one another because we’re family.”
The rivalry between clubs is strong yet there’s equally impressive mutual respect among them too. After his OSU team takes time for some reflection post-defeat while Ottawa TFC celebrates enthusiastically together afterward; coach Mohandi Mulay makes it a point to seek out Ottawa TFC’s squad coaches congratulating them despite losing heavily.
Simiarly，players share handshakes and pats even without formal arrangements-it comes naturally..
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