Canton Akron United Sends 3 Teams to National Cup XXI in Colorado

Interview with 2003 Boys Blue National Finalist Head Coach Mario Giganti

By Club Director Damien Marchione

This past spring and summer were a great success for Canton Akron United. The amount of teams advancing at State Cup events as well as into NPL regional playoffs was more than any other club in Northeast Ohio. Three teams in particular advanced to the National Cup in Colorado:

• 2003 Boys Blue – National Finalist lost in National Championship match, NPL League Champions, State Cup Champions
• 2008 Girls Blue – National Qualifier for 2^nd year in a row, NPL League Finalist, State Cup Champion
• 2009 Girls Blue – National Qualifier, NPL League Champion

*Shout out to the 2011 Boys Blue who won the NPL playoffs but are too young to qualify for nationals!

All told, OVER 50% of our 16 teams competing in regional league play this year earned qualification for NPL playoffs and the opportunity to win regional and national births. That is an amazing statistic to be proud of and one that is very difficult to accomplish. Of course that success does not come without ups, downs, commitment, and development. These things take many years to come to fruition and do not always end in bids to nationals.

Our Boys 2003 Blue NPL team in particular advanced all the way to the National Cup NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP game and fell just short of bringing back that title. The team won both the State Cup Championship and the NPL Playoff Championship going undefeated the entire year up until the final match. The team however is a great long-term example for all of the teams out there what can be accomplished with the right commitment and mindset from the players, parents, and coaches. 

Below is an interview with the Head 2003 Boys Blue Coach Mario Giganti. The insight he provides is both from a parent perspective and a coach perspective and a good read for all of our families.

From a parent perspective, what message do you have for our parents of younger players when dealing with things such as the team going through ups and downs, maybe a player isn’t getting the playing time they want, or getting upset with a coaching change etc?

Every situation is different. However, so much is involved in having success as a team and individual. Technical ability, Speed, Aerobic Endurance, Strength, flexibility, attitude, behaviors, mindset, nutrition and Recovery all go into the category of the individual. As boys mature, many of these aspects change and transform. I’ve seen this happen 3 cycles over the last 35+ years. The first was a personal journey, the second was my first club/school coaching ventures (pre kids) and the third was with the 03 Boys this last time around. There were many similarities. What we see at 13 is not what we will see at 16 or 17. And, even then, the player can drastically improve in all of the areas I talked about.  Each player will develop differently into their “maturity”. Once this starts to happen (around 13-14), we are also introducing 11 v 11 tactics that can add to the “stress levels” and bring new accountability above the personal attributes.  There are also many other influences on adolescents as they go through puberty and mature - all of this plays a part in the individual and team success. Friendships form and some go away and this can have an impact as well. Finally, when everyone has similar attributes, relentless effort (really understanding how to maximize it) and implementing tactics becomes the difference in the success of the individual and team.

To answer the question then: Every team will go through their ups and downs. This group won 3 State titles. But the last one was in 2017.  We even had one year where we did not make it to the State Cup playoffs and lost in the preliminary rounds. Every year was a year to get better, keep building the core, returning players and adding pieces to the team.  If the player is engaged, having fun, working outside of training and seeing improvement, and we expect there to be ups and downs, just continue with the process.

Not playing much in matches is always difficult. Communicating expectations with each player (and parent if need be) is important. The player should know what the Coach is thinking so it is not a surprise. If playing time is not happening, why? The Coach and player need to communicate and ensure they are on the same page and develop strategies to improve.  I’ve never seen a player go through a full club season and not significantly improve over the next year. As long as they are committed to that process of continual improvement and put the time in outside of training sessions - they will get better.

Coaching changes can be difficult. However, there are times when it makes sense.  Every coach brings different experiences, expectations, training methods and tactics to a team. Sometimes, change is necessary for advancement, especially if the team has stalled. Finally, as most of the 03 boys are seeing now, their college coaches have a different approach. Sometimes, introducing the change early, gets them used to hearing different voices and having different expectations. Some players really struggle with this. Having this type of conversation with a top high school player now.

Can you explain how this team focused on building itself for the long term to compete at this level vs the mentality for players to look elsewhere when facing some adversity?

The players have generally liked each other.  The Core has been together for quite some time and other players in the area have looked to join our team based on our success.  It’s interesting that when a new “core” player joined - they typically influenced another player to join us.  As this 03 group matured into this final U19 year, we were the place for any quality Akron/Canton player that was going to play in college wanted to play for.

We set expectations, provided feedback and gave players physical homework. We encouraged them to watch games and were constantly asking them to evaluate tactics - both internal and opponents.

Can you tell us a bit about how players change over time and how some players that started off lower on the depth chart (or even on the second team) at the younger ages developed into starters on a national level team?

Consistent with my initial comments about young male players maturing and not being sure what you have until they hit puberty.  We have some examples of that for sure. Nestor is one. It was also interesting to see how our Core Players developed and changed positions over time. Gabe has gone from a wing back to central defender to high level college forward……  Dom from forward to Centra Mid. Noah from CM to Wing back. Michael from forward to CM.

As a coach what has helped you to evolve along with the team?

As the players matured, we continued to develop personal relationships with each player.  I think this is something I’ve learned to do better this time around. I think I was pretty good at it in the past - but definitely more well rounded in this as I’ve personally matured and succeeded in my career and with my company.  Constantly studying tactics and watching our film and professional games. Comparing, contrasting and discussing these concepts with the players.  We also knew that 2x per week was not going to get the job done. We assigned interval and distance workouts along with technical activities to do on their own.  Again - set expectations, give them the tools - and demand accountability to the coaches and to each other. All in a way that promotes and fosters growth and competitiveness.

How did the Canton Akron United club structure help this team in its goals over the years?

Support for sure.  We have had the premier club in the area and consistently showed that on the field. The merger definitely helped to reinforce that.  Quality practice facilities helped as well.

What is one of your favorite memories through the many years with the team?

Wow - so many. U9 tournaments for sure. Both of the other state cups that we won and the regional trip in 2017.  We were finalists and champions in so many tournaments - it was rare when we did not make it. Battles against CSA, Internationals and Croatia when we were younger for sure. Head to head vs. Cleveland United when we were doing the United Elite program.  Nothing tops this years trip to Nationals - it was a culmination of so many of these guys youth careers - so much fun and such an honor.   

The guys got along and had great relationships with each other.  They pushed each other but also supported each other.  The parents stayed out of the way - but supported everything.  It definitely was almost perfect - until the last game - but very proud of the team!

What was it like for you and Coach Brian balancing the dynamic of being coaches but also have son’s on the team?

This is so much fun. But, we always had to balance each other and ensure we were independently looking at the situation. Sometimes, that made it unfair to Michael and Gabe. But both clearly understood that we had to make independent decisions and we expected more from them.     It really is the best of both worlds. We got to teach and coach high quality players to have success - and we saw 100% of our boys games - it does not get much better than that!

Final thoughts after watching many of these boys play for a decade with the club and now moving on to the collegiate level?

Its awesome.  I keep in touch with all of them. Some are having more success than others - but everyone is having fun.  The 3 juniors have committed or are close to committing.   

Just remind everyone that it's a process, they are playing at the next level for a reason. And to keep grinding - no matter what.     

Those that aren’t playing are playing Club at a high level. Buckler @ NC State and Nestor @ Duke even played against each other.

Boys Program Fall Update

By Boys Director Mike Biros

Hard to believe we are winding the fall season down. High school teams are in the playoffs and we are ready to welcome back all those players back to the club for another fun and challenging year at Canton Akron United. We also wish to extend a welcome to any families wishing to join us at all levels. Tryouts are posted, so please direct anyone to our website for the details and registration. 

For our younger teams, it has been an exciting fall with some really good success stories, tournament titles and solid positions in the league tables. We do not want to over-celebrate our successes, but it is good to be rewarded for quality performances and growing in our learning environments. There are also some groups that have not had a lot of success, and that happens. This is not a sprint or a short race. It is more like a marathon, as we gently infuse increased learning objectives that will ultimately be needed in the future. Everyone, including my own children have had seasons where they took their lumps, but it is what comes next that we keep our focus on. Short term successes and failures are part of the process. We evaluate it all. The practice plans, training groups, playing levels, etc. Ultimately, can we shape a better future for your children and the teams they are a part of and maximize their talents to their fullest abilities? That is the goal and the finish line is out there... in the future. 

Our coaching staff is a team. We work together and support each other. It also helps keep preferences of player selections and development evaluation ongoing. The coaches have spent a lot of time planning and working on system development this fall as well as specific skill training to work within the system better. Whether it is 7v7, 9v9 or 11v11, we strive to develop players in multiple positions so they can be more experienced and comfortable on the field. That way they can build on their individual skills within the framework of how we want teams to play. It also helps players that are asked to guest play or given promotional training and game opportunities to still know what their responsibilities are on the field regardless of the team or the field. We have proven over time that this philosophy not only works, but truly helps those players integrate with new groups club-wide much sooner. In training, we will continue to blend several groups together into the winter and spring seasons, especially at the younger ages. 

No one knows how the kids will grow or develop different strengths that may benefit a different position or team when they get older. So, to manage the competitive level as well as the future potential of the individual is a challenge for the coaches. Thus, it is best we focus on the all-around development that seeks to improve individual skills, awareness, decision making and speed of play regardless of field or position. 

Canton Akron United has so many success stories of players that may have not been on the 'top squad' in the club at a young age, yet still developed into successful varsity high school players (and beyond)! There is a successful pathway here and we as a coaching staff are committed to it! I wish to encourage our younger players and families to get out there to support their high school teams in the playoff hunt! We are blessed to have so many quality high school teams on both the boys and girls sides in prime position to make a deep run... these teams are filled with so many Canton Akron United players that started their career with us. We want our young boys and girls to dream about their future, out there on that same field in just a few short years so they can bring that passion and love for the game back to the trainiing grounds and get to work!

Girls Program Fall Update

By Girls Director Lauren Jokovich

The new year is off to a great start for the Canton Akron Force Girls Teams.

We welcome a brand new team, the 2013 Girls, who took the field for the first time with a cast of players ready to learn, grow and compete in the CASA league!

The 2010 Girls White, 2009 Girls White, and the 2008 Girls White have all had successful starts in the CASA league, all sitting in the top half of their brackets! 2009 White currently has an undefeated season going!

This fall, 3 new age groups are debuting at the regional level within the GLA/NPL. The 2012 girls, coached by Brandon Good, are currently sitting in 3rd place in their bracket while wrapping up the fall leg of their season. The 2010, and 2011 girls are currently sitting in 4th in their brackets entering into their winter session. The 2011 girls, coached by Anthony Fulton, have only allowed 4 goals thus far (in 5 games) in their debut regional season, which is the least amount of all 2011 GLA teams in the bracket- well done, girls! The 2009 girls NPL, currently sitting in 1st place, have a cast full of returning players that have competed at the National level in Denver Colorado this past year after winning their league.

We have been excited to add our CAU Force Mansfield branch to the Force family which included 5 new girls’ teams to the line up. This affiliation has been a great opportunity to grow relationships and widen the player pool giving players access to a variety of play opportunities. Coach Jesse Rider, who facilitates our Mansfield groups has been a welcome addition to our coaching staff with his wealth of knowledge and experience!

We look forward to welcoming our high school teams back to prepare for a successful winter and spring for our groups!

College Recruitment Seminar – November 2022

By Recruitment Coordinator Andy Hoggarth

We will be hosting our first collegiate recruitment education seminar shortly after the November 3^rd high school tryouts. This seminar will go over the recruitment process for both boys and girls, impact of test scores and financial aid, the differences in NCAA levels, and the general ins and outs of the steps needed and what is beneficial during this process. It will be open to club members that have completed registration and beneficial for educating our club parents on this important process whether your child is a freshman or senior. The recruitment education calendar will also be posted on the website. 

The link to register for the seminar will be sent out within Playmetrics to registered Canton Akron United players 2004-2008.

New Skill Clinic Programming Released

Cycle 2 Registration Still Open

As confirmed in the spring newsletter, newly reorganized skill clinics are now available for players to register for on the Camps & Skill Training page of the website. These clinics are for intensive smaller group training based around individualized topics of play that help players in specific aspects of their game. Players of all ability levels, from Division I collegiate players, to players doing extra work to try and make a regional roster have all benefitted through the years. Please see the player interview below with University of Louisville commitment Lauryn Contini who specifically remarks about the additional clinics and how they helped her as well as the proper mentality for individual improvement. 

We are very excited to offer a variety of these clinics to address the various individual needs of players as they develop technically and physically. Consistently putting in extra work in a highly intensive environment can greatly expedite personal development, growth, and impact. 

There will be expanded clinic options as we go into the winter months for both youth and high school players.

Winter Training: Hall of Fame Center for Performance

We are excited to announce that in addition to our outdoor training, we will now host the vast majority of our indoor training at the new facilities at the Hall of Fame Center for Performance. 

With the expansion of the outdoor facilities now to 7 lit turf fields, and the indoor fieldhouse built and ready to go this winter, we are proud to have this type of first class professional facility to call our home and offer a training environment that no other organization can provide. 

We will also continue to maintain and use the Paul L. David Athletic Training Center (Massillon Fieldhouse) for some training and planned 11v11 games.

Future Stars Academy & Winter 4v4 League Update

By Academy Director Anthony Fulton

As we move through fall and into winter it is of great excitement that we begin to introduce our Juniors Academy Program. This will be an addition to our Future Stars program in the growth and development of our younger players from surrounding communities.

The Junior Academy is a seasonal program and aims to provide group practices for the 2014 & 2015 players looking to continue their development and understanding within our club framework working towards eventually becoming a game team at the club. The group will be for both Boys and Girls and work on the four elements of the game each and every week. Canton Akron United will be identifying talented players among the 2014 & 2015 birth years at the various area clinics that may have the potential to be a part of this program. 

Of Course, not forgetting the younger players with our Future Stars, we are excited to be back on the field and looking forward to our winter programming that will include our 4v4 Game Day league that was a huge hit last year. 

Clinics at multiple facilities will also be offered this winter as our academy program expands into different areas training, developing, and identifying the next wave of talent to come through Canton Akron United. 

Look for upcoming clinics in Canton, Alliance, Mansfield, New Philadelphia and more!

Canton Akron United Player Interviews Double Feature

Emma King  l  Lauryn Contini 

Emma King 2004 – Freshman University of Akron NCAA Division I

*Joined Club at 9 years old through senior year at Manchester HS

*Always a ferocious attacking player, Emma has earned a starting role as a Freshman at the University of Akron and has scored 2 goals in her first 3 collegiate games. Whether playing at the local CASA level, or the regional level, Emma approached every game with the same intensity and mentality to prove she was the best player on the field leading to her success and future opportunities. 

In an age where everyone is looking for the next best thing, what advice can you give to young players and families about commitment to the same club for the long term?

 Commitment to the same club long term creates bonds and friendships that will last a lifetime. Although there might be rough seasons where you want to find the next best thing, my advice is to stick it out because it always gets better. There’s more of a reward playing for the same club/team over the years, you grow together and become a family. 

Lauryn Contini 2006 (HS Junior) – Verbal commitment University of Louisville NCAA Division I

*Joined Club at 7 years old & currently Junior at New Philadelphia HS

*US Youth National Team Training Pool Invite



*Transitioning from an attacking role as a youth into an outside back at the higher levels, Lauryn is a great example of how players adapt their skills to new roles over time. Always a player to take every opportunity, her full commitment to the sport and love of the game continues to open doors for her. 

In an age where everyone is looking for the next best thing, what advice can you give to young players and families about commitment to the same club for the long term?

 I would tell parents to listen to their kids and listen to what they have to say. For me I think it was just a matter of I never wanted to leave my coach or team. I never needed the new best thing for me to be a great player and teammate. To be brutally honest I didn’t want to be one of those “club hoppers.” I was just raised differently and taught to stick with the ones who were always there when I needed something. 

Canton Akron United Expands Adding Mansfield Affiliate



Kicking off the 2022-2023 soccer year Canton Akron United Force added a new affiliate branch to the organization in Mansfield, Ohio. We have been very excited to make this new addition which required a lot of work during the prior year to organize. Our CAU Mansfield affiliate is directed by Jesse Rider who has been a welcome addition to the organization bringing a wealth of previous experience. Starting with 5 teams this fall, we now look for the program grow to 8 teams in the Spring expanding the competitive umbrella of the organization.

Coach Joe Pavlek has been going to CAU Mansfield once per week this fall to run training sessions and work with the teams in the inaugural season.

CAU Force Mansfield Director Jesse Rider - "Partnering with CAU Force gave our players an access to some of the top leagues in the state of Ohio. This type of accessibility is helping more players play at a higher level. We will start the spring with 8 teams and hope to continue to provide great opportunities for all of our players."

High School Tryouts