Parent Arrested for Threatening Young Soccer Player

A man has been arrested after reportedly threatening a player during a youth soccer match in Vaughan, according to police. 

The suspect, who is a parent of one of the players, allegedly threatened a child from the opposing team, leading to the game’s conclusion, York Regional Police shared in a news release on Monday. 

This incident took place during a U13 girls soccer game between Kleinburg Nobleton Soccer Club (KNSC) and Glen Shields Juventus FC on June 20 at Concord Thornhill Regional Park, as reported by KNSC coaches to CBC Toronto. 

Around ten minutes into the second half, a player from KNSC collided with a player from Glen Shields, stated Nikita Moriarity, assistant coach for KNSC. 

A video of the match provided by KNSC seems to capture the moment when two players clashed, resulting in one girl falling down. 

After the referee blew the whistle, someone can be heard yelling, “I’m going to f-king stab you.”

A young player can be heard saying: “He told me he’s going to stab me,” while a spectator added “Yeah, I heard that. I also heard that.”

A 53-year-old man from Vaughan was taken into custody on Friday and charged with one count of uttering threats, police said. 

Authorities are not disclosing the age of the player involved since they are underage. 

Anyone who has information about this incident is encouraged to reach out to police or provide an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers. 

Team has temporarily barred individual from events

Moriarity mentioned that one of her players was “obviously distraught, very fearful” following the comment made during the game.

“When you have parents who are supposed to be role models and encourage young minds behaving or saying such things on the sidelines-regardless of who it’s directed at-that’s concerning,” she told CBC Toronto.

KNSC assistant coach Nikita Moriarity said a player for the club was ‘obviously distraught, very fearful’ after the comment was made. (Mathis Cardinal/CBC)

However, in an Instagram statement posted on Friday, Glen Shields Juventus FC said they conducted an internal review of what happened by examining “available footage” and gathering eyewitness accounts and concluded that the comment was directed towards an adult present at the game rather than toward any player.

“While early media reports and public statements suggested that it was aimed at a young player, our findings do not support that claim,” stated the club in their message.

The individual accused of making this remark has been temporarily suspended from participating in any club activities while awaiting results from a full investigation by relevant authorities,” says their statement.

‘Glen Shields Juventus FC maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy against abusive behavior in any form whether it’s directed at players, referees, coaches or spectators.’

In an email correspondence, the club’s president Aldo Lippa indicated they would refrain from discussing this matter with media outlets.

Both clubs belong to York Region Soccer Association (YRSA). The association’s sporting director Tony Fonseca mentioned they are aware of this incident through an email sent to CBC Toronto and assured that both teams along with YRSA are “acting accordingly” as law enforcement continues their investigation.

“This does not reflect how well our member clubs demonstrate sportsmanship and respect each time they step onto field in York Region,” he wrote.


“Such unacceptable behavior has no place within our environments.”

A Call for Accountability from KSNC Head Coach

Ontario Soccer acknowledged awareness about this incident through their statement; however YRSA is handling it since it involves clubs within their district.

If there’s formal complaint lodged with Ontario Soccer then they will assign independent third-party oversight over case management.

KSNC head coach Andrea Yepez expressed her desire ensuring safety for girls and women involved in soccer.

She remarked having faced intimidation previously as female coach amid male-dominated sport but claimed alleged threat “raised bar.”

“Are there certain protocols or procedures put in place for safety regarding female players?” she asked.

KSNC head coach Andrea Yepez said she has dealt with intimidation before as a female coach in a male-dominated sport but the alleged threat ‘raised the bar.’ (Mathis Cardinal/CBC)

She advocates consequences following event which reflects ongoing toxic culture surrounding several clubs alongside some parents.

“We’re not just going to roll over… We’ll keep working hard maintaining goals plus character,” she emphasized.

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