À:kweks come out victorious in home opener

The Kahnawake Survival School À:kweks kicked off their 2025 soccer season with a hard-earned 2–1 victory over Kuper Academy on October 2, setting an early tone of resilience and unity for the defending champions.

It was a crisp autumn afternoon at the KSS field, where the sound of car horns and cheers from family and community members echoed through the game. The À:kweks, led by coaches Paxton Kahentaiesen Phillips, Amber Cook, and Pierre Tobjian, faced one of their toughest rivals in the league but came out on top through teamwork, and determination.

“The soccer season starts really quickly, so we only had two tryouts and two practices before that first game,” said coach Pierre Tobjian. “The focus was on getting the girls organized, building that early chemistry, and making sure everyone was ready to compete and give their best.”

Despite limited preparation time, the À:kweks came ready to play. “We came away with a 2–1 win in a very close and exciting game,” said Tobjian. “We opened the scoring in the first half, Kuper tied it up in the second, and then we were able to finish off a corner kick to take the lead again. Our goalkeeper also made a crucial save late in the game to keep us ahead.”

That fight to the end defined the team’s performance. “Our home opener was against one of the top teams in the league, and it was a tough game,” Tobjian added. “What stood out to me most was how the girls never gave up even when things got difficult. Our defence was tested constantly, but they held strong, the girls played with energy from start to finish.”

For the À:kweks, the match was more than a win; it was confirmation that the foundation built last season remains strong. The team’s chemistry, trust, and leadership continue to grow with every game. “One of our main goals this season is to defend and reclaim our championship title from last year,” said coach Paxton Phillips. “But also, to continue growing our skills individually and as a team keeping the momentum and interest in the KSS soccer program going.”

That growth goes beyond the field. Both coaches emphasize that the À:kweks represent not only their school but their community. The program has become a source of pride in Kahnawake, supported by families, alumni, and locals who bring their energy to every home match.

“Community support is always important for our team, especially during home games,” said Tobjian. “I really enjoy when community members come out with their cars on the side of the field and honk their horns every time we score. That energy and support mean a lot to the players and make the experience even more special.”

Phillips echoed that sentiment, saying the team draws strength from its roots. “It’s always nice to play on our home field and be surrounded by the support of our friends, family, and community and this time was no different,” she said.

Beyond tactics and training, pride remains central to what drives the À:kweks program. Phillips said that value continues to shape the team’s identity. “My pride has always been something that pushed me as an athlete, and it still is,” she said. “That’s what I try to instil in our girls too to be the best we can be.”

For Tobjian, that same pride shows in the players’ commitment. “What I enjoy most about being part of the À:kweks is watching the players compete and give their best at something they love,” he said. “Seeing that effort on the field makes coaching really meaningful, and it’s rewarding to be part of their growth as a team.”

After the game, the coaches immediately began identifying areas to refine. “We took notes on things that needed work and built our drills for practice around that,” Phillips said. “We’re always looking to tweak and improve anything that needs fixing.”

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