The YMCA of Scarborough was the setting for Day 11 of TFC//TWELVE.  After Toronto FC's initial meeting at their Yonge and Bloor location it was clear the YMCA was an organization the team wanted to highlight for all the fantastic work they do with youth in the community. 

The team quickly learned about many YMCA programs but what was most apparent was the youth coaching program which had been implemented due to high demand.  The YMCA converted a leadership seminar into a multiple sport coaching course with 15 eager youth who were in the middle of the week-long instructions when TFC arrived.

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As a special surprise for the young coaches, Toronto FC Academy director and head coach Stuart Neely visited the class to give a talk on his role, along with the importance and influence a coach has on their athletes. 

Neely then took the group to the gym and demonstrated soccer drills and proper techniques which the students were able to test shortly thereafter, when 50 summer campers  excitedly entered for their session.  The youth coaches did well to organize the kids, getting them quickly familiar with the exercises Neely had coached them on earlier that day.

In the post-session wrap up, after receiving their TFC gift packs, the youth coaches were greatly appreciative of their new experience, but shared a laugh or two about the ongoing challenge that faces all coaches at every level, that is trying to get their young athletes to pay attention.

Toronto FC and Academy boss Neely thank the YMCA for its invitation, allowing the Reds to join their coaching course for an afternoon and for their commitment to developing young coaches in the community.