There’s some lore about Apple CEO Steve Jobs: his path to success was carved by ensuring that at least 80 per cent of his time was spent on signal, allowing for just 20 per cent of noise. This ratio of focus versus distraction helped him build one of the most successful companies on the planet.
In the world of competitive youth soccer, that same principle holds true. The Sunshine Coast Youth Soccer Association Boys U17 Storm spent 10 months living out that philosophy — saying no to inconsistency, distraction and individual endeavour so they could say yes to the signal: development, discipline and collective purpose. That mindset earned them a spot at the 2025 BC Provincial Soccer Championships in Kamloops, July 10 to 13.
The U17 Storm opened against Victoria’s Gorge United, the team that would eventually go on to become provincial champions. The Storm rolled out an aggressive 3-5-2 formation with a clear intention of creating offense. But this approach underestimated their well-organized opponent and left defensive gaps. In the 40th minute, the normally impenetrable Storm defense cracked. Once Gorge United took control, they didn’t give it back, eventually rolling to a 4-0 victory.
The next day the Storm struck back. Facing Vernon United, the boys returned to their familiar 4-5-1 formation. With compact defending, sharp passing and clinical finishing, they delivered a commanding 4-0 win.
That victory set up a high-stakes clash with the 2025 league champions of the BCCSL, Coast Metro Ford Aston Villa. A draw would be enough for the U17 boys to reach the bronze medal match. Once again, the Storm prioritized control over risk, sticking with the 4-5-1 and focusing on midfield density and defensive shape. The result was a gritty, hard-earned 0-0 draw. It felt like a win — and it was: SCYSA Storm had earned their place in a bronze medal match.
Their opponent: KSYSA Storm, the Kootenay champions. Over the 90 minutes, the U17 boys dominated possession and tempo, pinning KSYSA deep and creating innumerable chances. On most days, one of those chances would have found the back of the net. But soccer can be unforgiving. The game ended 0-0, and in penalty kicks, KSYSA came out on top.
But this story isn’t about that final result. It’s about the 10-month journey that brought 16 boys from the Sunshine Coast into competition with teams from some of the province’s largest and most resourced soccer associations. It’s about a group that built on the foundation laid by past SCYSA teams — advancing the torch a little bit further forward.
And they didn’t walk this journey alone. To the countless supporters across the Sunshine Coast — thank you. Your donations helped ease the significant costs of five days in Kamloops during the peak of summer holiday season.
To Mike Cowie and every member of Cowie’s All-Star team (former SCYSA players and local soccer enthusiasts, aged 18 into their 30s) who showed up every Thursday in June to challenge and sharpen these boys through high-level, good-natured competition: thank you.
And most of all, to the 16 players: thank you. You gave up time, comfort, and part of your summer for this pursuit. In an era where distractions are everywhere, you remained focused on the signal. You should be proud — not just of your fourth-place finish, the highest ever for an SCYSA team — but of how you earned it: with commitment, resilience, pride and shared purpose. You made your parents and your community proud, and you inspired young soccer players on the Coast who will likely follow the path you cleared.
The best part? You’ve still got a year to go. Now kick back and enjoy a little noise. You’ve earned it.
