Mexico vs. Canada at AHSS

by Jen Nicholson

Sep 26, 2007

ALMAGUIN – Local residents didn’t have to travel far last week to take in an international-caliber soccer game. Right here in Almaguin’s own backyard the junior and senior boys soccer teams from Almaguin Highlands Secondary School (AHSS) took on a team of students from Mexico.

The friendly competition was spearheaded by AHSS teachers Tanya Wardlaw, who billets Mexican students studying at a private English immersion school in North Bay. Earlier this month, Wardlaw made arrangements for a group of students to come down to South River for some friendly soccer competition.

“The Almaguin students were really excited to meet students from another country,” said Wardlaw.

The Mexican contingent that arrived at AHSS last week was comprised of 27 boys, ages 13 and 16, as well as five girls who provided cheerleading support.

In the end, the Mexican team played two games against their Almaguin hosts, one against the junior boys and another against the senior boys. The junior game resulted in a tie, 1-1. The AHSS senior boys came away with a 1-0 win.

“It was a nice game, very friendly,” said AHSS coach Steve Todoroff. “Everyone had fun.”

The highlight of the match was at half-time when the Mexican students came to the centre line and sang their national anthem. The AHSS teams responded with the Canadian National Anthem.

This was a first Mexican-Canadian/Almaguin match, said Wardlaw. “We are hoping to do it again next year.”