April 13, 2026
The North York Academy 2010 Boys delivered an exceptional performance at the Porto International Cup, finishing as finalists in a highly competitive international tournament. As the only non-European team in the competition, the group demonstrated passion, ambition, and determination against top clubs from Portugal.
Upon arrival, the team had the unique opportunity to train at FC Porto’s New Balance Park training facility. This experience allowed players to immerse themselves in a high-performance environment, gaining valuable insight into the standards, intensity, and professionalism required at the top level of the game.
NYA opened the tournament with two strong results, earning 2–0 victories over Academia Marfoot and FC Foz. On Day 2, the team faced Boavista FC in the group stage, where they fell 2–0 in a challenging match. They responded with resilience, earning a 2–0 win in the semi-finals against Mierlense to secure their advancement.
In the final, NYA faced Boavista FC once again in a tightly contested match that remained 0–0 through full time. The game was ultimately decided by penalties, where NYA narrowly fell 3–5. The performance in the final reflected the team’s ability to compete under pressure and respond at a high level against strong opposition.
Reaching the final of an international tournament is a significant accomplishment. Throughout the competition, the 2010 Boys displayed strong tactical discipline, team cohesion, and resilience, maintaining a consistent competitive standard across multiple matches. Their ability to respond following a Day 2 loss and progress to the final highlights both their character and development.
Reflecting on the tournament, the coaching staff emphasized the importance of the experience and the level the group achieved. Coach Paolo noted, “We were able to stand out and prove that we can play at the highest level. Whenever we go to these types of tournaments we need to remember that we are representing Canada, and I think we did an incredible job at doing that.”
Coach Miguel also highlighted the significance of the week, stating, “An amazing week for this group after two years without competing outside of Canada. They completely raised the standards inside and outside of the field. Competing with Portuguese teams that play in national leagues means we are on the right path. I couldn’t be more proud.”
Bryan Cerqueira added, “I am incredibly proud of this group. To compete in Porto, in such a demanding environment, and reach the final speaks to the character, identity, and standards we are building at North York Academy.
In addition to the team’s success, our goalkeeper Mateo Silva was recognized as Goalkeeper of the Tournament for his standout performances, recognizing his consistency, composure, and impact in key moments.
This experience provides valuable exposure for the group as they continue their pathway. Competing in an international final is an important milestone and sets a strong foundation for future success. North York Academy 2010 Boys have shown they are capable of competing at a high level on the international stage.
