As Canada’s senior women’s national team look to repeat as Olympic bronze medalists, the stars of tomorrow are already emerging.
Canada are off to the semifinals of the 2016 CONCACAF Girls' Under-15 Championship after a big 10-0 win over Curaçao on Wednesday morning in Orlando. Chilliwack's Jordyn Huitema, a member of the Whitecaps FC Girls Elite REX program in partnership with BC Soccer, led the way for Canada with four goals, bringing her tournament tally to six.
- READ: Huitema determined to succeed with Canada
- READ: Learn more about the Whitecaps FC Girls Elite REX program
Huitema, who scored four straight goals in the span of 19 minutes, was one of three Whitecaps FC Girls Elite REX players who appeared in the match. The others were North Vancouver's Caitlin Shaw and newcomer Mya Jones from Calgary, who both had an assist.
Jayde Riviere (x2), Maya Ladhani, Julia Kostecki, Olivia Scott, and Teni Akindoju also found the back of the net for Canada.
The Canadians are now a perfect 4W-0L-0D at this year’s tournament. They’re in for a tougher test this Friday, however, when they face Mexico in the semifinals.
Canada are defending champions in this age group from two years ago. Since 2004, Canada have won four CONCACAF women's youth championships: twice at the U-20 level (2004, 2008), once at the U-17 level (2010), and once at the U-15 level (2014).
Canada's roster features players born 2001 or 2002 as part of Canada Soccer's Women's EXCEL Program. Beyond this year's U-15 competition, these players will be eligible for CONCACAF and FIFA U-17 competitions in 2018 as well CONCACAF and FIFA U-20 competitions through 2020. The younger players born in 2002 will be eligible for CONCACAF and FIFA U-20 competitions through 2022.
Canada Soccer Women’s National EXCEL Program, presented by Bell, brings together the best with the best at the national youth level. Operating across the U-14 to U-17 and U-18 to U-23 age groups, the program is designed to deliver an aligned talent structure and system that progresses more top players to Canada’s Women’s National Team.
