By Tim Pattyson
Compared to turf burns and ankle sprains, playing with the boys is no problem.
Centretown resident Jennifer Biondi, a midfielder with Ottawa’s semi-professional wo-men’s soccer team, the Ottawa Fury, plays in a boys league in Ottawa’s newest sporting facility at Lansdowne Park.
During the summer season, the Fury plays against other women’s teams from across North America.
In winter, the team has resorted to playing with boys teams under the new inflatable dome over the field at Frank Clair Stadium in order to keep their skills honed and their fitness levels elevated.
Biondi, who wears lucky number 13, has been with the Fury for one year.
Previously, she played in Montreal for a year and at the University of Ottawa.
“She was a dominant player with Ottawa U,” says her coach, Dominic Rochon. “She brings a lot of experience to the team.”
Biondi agrees her experience is a great asset to the team, but says her greatest contribution rests with her outgoing personality.
“I’m a very vocal person on the field,” she says. “Off the field, I’m the same.”
Her bubbly persona shows after games when chatting with teammates.
The tall, blonde and fit Biondi, who has two goals early in the indoor season, has set her sights on the upcoming summer season and is excited about the Fury’s chances this year.
“We’d like to win it all obviously, but . . .” she says. “We’re looking to finish in the top three.”
Her coach says the team will improve on its six win, five loss and three-tie season of last year.
He says Biondi will be a big part of the winning formula.
“We’re definitely going to be stronger going into next year,” says Rochon. “She brings a lot of pace, she’s one of the biggest players and one of the fastest players.”
Along with being big, fast, experienced and outspoken, Biondi adds another quality to her list of traits that all great athletes possess.
“I’m a competitor.”
Coincidentally, Biondi works at the Coliseum.
“It’s a sports environment and I love sports environments,” she says. “Everything about it is enjoyable.”
It’s enjoyable, and it’s useful for her team.
“It’s very valuable, basically because the turf is very similar to grass,” says Biondi.
Marty Lauter, one of the Coliseum owners and operaters of the facility, agrees.
“It’s very beneficial for them, it gives them a chance to train in the off season a number of times a week,” says Lauter. “It gives them a chance to stay fit, hone their skills and stay focused on the game.”