Canada's Olympic gold medal win inspiring N.L's next generation of female soccer stars
'These athletes ... are real role models to our girls,' says soccer academy leader
The Canadian women's soccer team's Olympic gold medal win on Friday will likely be remembered as a defining moment for the sport in the country, and a moment of inspiration for the next generation of athletes in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Soccer player Victoria English was watching the gold medal match with her Feildians under-11 teammates at Feildians Grounds in St. John's. The players were on the edge of their seats by the time the match came down to penalty kicks, which ended on the foot of Canadian midfielder Julia Grosso.
"It's nice because most of them are my role models," English said before the game. "It's kind of like you [are] playing the finals, to be honest."
Young Fieldians. I need me pills! <a href="https://t.co/0Iz7qUAJK2">pic.twitter.com/0Iz7qUAJK2</a>
—@AnthonyGermain"It's really fun watching, and while you watch, you're also having fun with your friends," teammate Myriam Biunno added.
Canada captured its first Olympic gold medal in women's soccer Friday, climbing back from a 1-0 first-half deficit to best Sweden 3-2 in a thrilling penalty-kick battle.
Feildians coach Sarah Woodford was also watching the game with the girls, saying it was great to see the team so involved in the game.
She said she hopes the girls can draw from the Olympic champions, who showed that anything is possible if you put your mind to it.
"I think it's really important just as a team bonding thing," she said.
"I think it's really awesome. It's Canada's first time being in the gold medal game. Just having a role model and someone to look up to soccer-wise, it just means so much to the girls here."
Sarah Arnott, leader of the Feildians Girls Soccer Academy, said she hopes the win can help build the game across the country and introduce girls to more opportunities.
"I think these athletes on the women's team are real role models to our girls," Arnott said. "We're hoping it increases interest in the sport, and grows the sport both in the province and the country. Get more female players involved."
"It's super-exciting, and we hope they can learn a thing or two about the game as well."
As for the players, they've already got high goals in mind: donning the red and white one day
"I really hope that I actually will make the Canadian national team for women's soccer. I want to play in the Olympics really badly," English said.
With files from Anthony Germain