The Saltus under-13 boys football team retained their Division 1 championship at the prestigious Canadian Association of Independent Schools (CAIS) under-13 tournament.

Saltus thumped the tournament hosts, Upper Canada College, 7-2 in the final to come out on top of the 12 CAIS school teams competing for the title in Toronto this week.

The young footballers beat Crescent School 5-0 in the semi-finals, with Jace Postlewhite opening the scoring and Adam Barritt, Roman Gaglio, Xavi Dill, and Vashon Martin also getting on the scoresheet.

The final turned into a Saltus procession, with Barritt setting the tone early with a stunning free kick from 22 yards out. Gaglio followed up with the second before Xonti Burch floated in a beautiful third and Postlewhite overcame a tough tackle to add a fourth.

UCC rallied with two quick goals before Saltus Coach John Nusum countered by making strategic substitutions, with Mack Browne, and Mason Barioni adding a sixth restoring the four-goal margin.

In the final moments, Gaglio sealed the win with a powerful strike from outside the 18-yard box, bringing the final score to 7-2.

Coach John Nusum was delighted with the win.

“We are thrilled about the performances of the Under-13 football team in the latest CAIS tournament,” he said.

“They showed great character throughout and played a brand of football that garnered the admiration of many. Our team captains, Adam Barritt, Jace Postlethwaite and Xonti Burch played vital roles throughout the tournament.

“Travelling to a tournament like this has the added benefit of providing opportunities for these young players to learn new life skills while away from their families and to grow as young men.

“Both on and off the pitch the trip was a tremendous success and we couldn’t be more proud.”