RHSC Announces First-Ever OPL Signings in Club History - A Pair of Homegrown Talents

Richmond Hill Soccer Club is proud to announce a historic milestone for our organization with the first signings in our club’s OPL Men’s and Women’s team history — and fittingly, both are true homegrown talents.

Matthew Distefano – OPL Men’s Team

The first-ever signing in RHSC OPL Men’s history is Matthew Distefano, an exceptional midfielder whose journey with the Club began in 2009. From Grassroots to U20, Matthew has progressed through every stage of the RHSC pathway, embodying the long-term development vision the Club has worked tirelessly to build.

Matthew brings valuable experience to the squad, including time competing in the OCAA and the OSL Provincial Elite League. Beyond his playing career, he also serves as a coach within our competitive program, giving back to the next generation of Raiders.

“I play soccer because I love the sport,” Matthew shared, “but also because, as a coach, it helps me relate to and better understand my players.”

Reflecting on his long-standing connection to the Club, he added, “What I value most about Richmond Hill Soccer Club is the shared passion and commitment among the coaches and staff toward developing players and creating competitive environments where they can thrive.”

His signing represents more than just a roster addition, it marks the realization of a pathway that began nearly two decades ago.

Sophia Paiva – OPL Women’s Team

Joining Matthew in the history books is Sophia Paiva, the first-ever signing in RHSC OPL Women’s Team history. A dynamic midfielder, Sophia proudly wore the RHSC badge from 2014 to 2022 and competed at the OPDL level for the past five seasons. Now, she returns home to take the next step in her career.

“I play soccer because it is the sport I fell in love with as a kid and it is something that I couldn't imagine my life without now,” Sophia said. “I think about it every day and my dedication is what drives me to compete.”

Sophia credits RHSC’s environment as a key part of her development. “I like how RHSC has always been a welcoming community as well as a competitive one. It is a club where I can grow as a player and work hard at.”

Looking ahead, she has clear ambitions both individually and collectively. “Soccer plays into my future as I hope to play in university next year and hopefully progress to a professional level after that,” she explained. “I hope as a team we can get promoted and do very well this season. Personally, I want to improve and be a leader on and off the field.”

As a youth development and camp coach within the Club, Sophia also serves as a role model for aspiring players. Her message to them is simple but powerful: “Continue working hard, push through challenges, and stay focused throughout your soccer careers.”

A Full Circle Moment for RHSC

For RHSC General Manager & Technical Director Mirco Schroff, these signings symbolize something far greater than a single season. “Matthew and Sophia represent exactly what we envisioned when we began building our long-term player pathway,” said Schroff. “To see athletes start in our grassroots programs, develop through our competitive structure, and now sign as the first players in our OPL team history is a true completion of the pathway we have been working hard to develop for years. It is a proud moment for our entire club.”

As RHSC enters this new chapter in the OPL, there could be no better way to begin than with two players who embody the Club’s culture, values, and commitment to development. Congratulations to Matthew and Sophia! We look forward to watching your Raider journey continue.