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The Ambrose Lions Are Getting Back At It

Ambrose Lions Women's Futsal

On the first weekend of November, Futsal Calgary kicks off its 12th season.

Here comes again the Ambrose Lions in the Women’s Division.  The Lions have been one of the futsal pioneers in Calgary, debuting their futsal program in 2003.

Earlier in March, the Lions Women’s Futsal Team finally won their first ever ACAC Futsal Championship in Lethbridge, Alberta.  Head coach Adam Monkman is taking a constructive approach to help his team re-focus.

"I want them to be creative and have the permission and the freedom to play their game. The girls set a really high standard last year and I think for them now is realization and the expectation that they have to keep jumping above that bar."
Adam Monkman
Adam Monkman
Head Coach, Ambrose Lions
Ambrose Lions Women's 2019
Lions' skipper Adam Monkman taking charge during a futsal timeout. Photo credits: Dan L.

Understanding The Expectations

Sky is the limit, right? There are a few faces added to the roster who hope to sustain that success.  Rookie Olivier Awe wants to make sure she is well aware of what is at stake.

“Coming in as a new player, the first thing is to understand the expectations, and knowing that there was a title to fight for, and that’s always in the back of my mind every time we play.”

 Olivier Awe (left) trying to get the rebound after a SOG. Photo credits: Dan L.

Lions’ captain and reigning ACAC Championship MVP Bethany Herman was calm, cool and collected on the field. She is an obvious vocal leader who brings tremendous leadership and experience.

"We trust each other and that's the biggest growth point. I want to see young girls stay in sport longer because there is a big drop off in that. Just to build confidence and to discover yourself as a person."
Bethany Herman
Ambrose Lions' Team Captain 2019
Bethany charging up the field when she sees a chance. Photo Credits: Dan L.

Goalkeeper Janelle Reimer would wholeheartedly agree. When she was a freshman, she had not even ever touched a soccer ball in her life, and now, she is the team’s starting goalkeeper. “I didn’t grow up playing (soccer). In my first year (at Ambrose), I was a figure skater, played rugby and squash,” commented Reimer.

Janelle Reimer (left) got her first taste of futsal championship. Photo credits: ACAC
"I was able to pick up the hands pretty quckly and I was able to develop through years of practices. I am now a fifth year player, I dont think you will be able to tell the difference. Futsal is a thoughtful and strategic game and I think it should be appreciated."
Janelle Reimer
Goalkeeper

Being A Positive Role Model

Dozens of fans were at the main gym at Ambrose University on the weekend evening, many are parents and friends.

Monkman loves this kind of support. “We told the players how they can pour back in to the community and how they are being a positive role model. Not only they come to our Univeristy to get a degree but also the ability to play and help grow soccer and hopefully make the best friends you will ever have.”

The Lions got off to a great start as they beat Rapids FC Thunder 3:2 on a so-called buzzer-beater goal in the dying seconds with no time left on the clock.

What's Next?

Here comes again the Ambrose Lions in the Women’s Division.  The Lions have been one of the futsal pioneers in Calgary, debuting their futsal program in 2003.

Earlier in March, the Lions Women’s Futsal Team finally won their first ever ACAC Futsal Championship in Lethbridge, Alberta.  Head coach Adam Monkman is taking a constructive approach to help his team re-focus.

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