Success Stories
Farias Soccer Academy
Sydney Kennedy
The first time I went to FSA I was 11 years old. I left a club practice one night feeling frustrated, defeated and in tears and I told my parents I was quitting soccer. I was tired of being criticized anytime I tried a move or took someone on. My confidence and the enjoyment I once had for the game was at an all time low. I didn’t want to play if I couldn’t try the stuff I saw on tv.
When I told my mom I wanted to quit and focus on hockey, she thought i was too young to throw in the towel. My sisters and I were always encouraged to play more than one sport. She told me to take a winter off club and try FSA and after the winter was over, if I still wanted to quit, then we would find another sport.
The atmosphere at FSA was exactly what I needed I loved the intensity of the practices and how the coaches expected 100% all the time. I was praised for my work ethic and I was not only encouraged to play creatively It was expected from me. Ed, Tyler, Wendy and all the coaches at FSA have always pushed me and challenged me. I leave the facility tired and sore but also know that everyone at that facility truly cares about me and wants me to be successful.
I have had amazing opportunities playing soccer. I have played provincially every year winning three gold medals at Atlantic’s and one bronze representing Nova Scotia at the 2017 Canada Games. I have represented Nova Scotia nationally four times with my club Suburban FC, winning a bronze medal in 2017. I won a silver medal representing Canada on the U15 National team at CONCACAF In 2016 And was named Soccer Nova Scotia Youth Player of the Year that same year. None of this would have been possible without Ed and the team of coaches at FSA.
In 2019 I will be heading to Gainesville Florida on a four year scholarship to play soccer with the University of Florida. Looking back six years ago I would never have imagined I’d be a Florida Gator! I can’t thank the coaches at FSA enough. I would have quit playing at 11 if I didn’t have the opportunity to train at FSA. Through the years it has been a roller coaster of ups and downs and it hasn’t always been smooth sailing. However, the one thing that has always been consistent is knowing that Ed, Tyler, Wendy and anyone I have worked with at FSA has always been in my corner pushing me to be the best player I can be and I could never thank them enough!
