Yasmin Castillo is one of Scrosoppi’s in-form players in the League1 Ontario Women’s Championship, having scored three goals in her last four matches to help SFC to the top of the standings.

Her side have won five matches out of nine in the 2025 regular season, including three from the last four. The recent run of results means they now have a one-point lead in the table, ahead of Pickering, who SFC beat 4-2 on Saturday. 

Despite Pickering going ahead, Castillo’s penalty opened Scrosoppi’s account and Jahkaya Davis scored an impressive hat-trick to put the points beyond doubt.

The winners of the Women’s Championship not only earn silverware, but gain automatic promotion to the Women’s Premier Division – the top tier of the League1 Ontario pyramid. 

SFC finished second in the Championship last year and qualified for a Pro/Rel Playoff with the Premier’s North Mississauga, but the Panthers stopped Scrosoppi going up in their inaugural women’s season with a 3-1 win.

Castillo, who played with Milton Magic for 11 years as a youngster, played more than 1,000 minutes for Scrosoppi last year. The midfielder then joined the University of New Brunswick, and after her rookie season, is now back with SFC making a big impact as we approach the final seven matches of the campaign.

With Scrosoppi leading the league ahead of the most important time in the season, what are your thoughts on the upcoming games?

These next few games are crucial for us. Every game will be tough as the competition is tight across the Championship Division teams. We are looking to capitalize on matchups where we know we are stronger as a team, and staying focused on earning three points game by game.

How pleased are you with your progress so far this year?

Although this year we weren’t able to train together over the winter due to university commitments, our chemistry is quickly returning and we are coming together nicely. We’re focused on fine-tuning a few areas.

As a team, my goal is for us to advance to the Premier Division of League1 Ontario this year and compete at the highest level. On a personal level, I’m aiming for a successful season where I can make a meaningful impact and establish myself as a key player for my university team.

Talking of making an impact, what influence has John Yacou had on your progress and the rise to the Women’s Championship summit?

He constantly pushes me and my teammates to bring out the best in ourselves, both individually and as a group. His intensity and winning mindset set the tone for everything we do and he holds us to a high standard and expects us to compete every day, but at the same time, he genuinely cares about his players and wants the best for each of us. He’s also helped me grow as a leader, both on and off the pitch.

Is there anyone else who has played an important part in your journey?

Although soccer is at the centre of my life, spending time with friends and family is just as important to me. It’s something I’ve come to value even more, especially since I only get to be with them for a few months in the year. Their constant support means a lot to me and has helped me immensely in my journey.

You’ve been with Scrosoppi for two years now. What’s your experience been like?

My time at Scrosoppi over the past two years has been unmatched. Since I joined, my team has become family to me, and I look forward to each practice. 

One of the standout moments from my time at Scrosoppi was our very first game together as a team. We faced Burlington in the opening round of the L1 Cup; it was a home game, first time in front of our fans, and we were excited and ready to play.

How do you get yourself ready for kick-off on matchdays?

On gamedays, no matter the kick-off time, my day is blocked off. I try to carb-load hours before our game and when we arrive, I get the music going right away. The best preparation is relaxing in the change room with music blasting and my teammates around. As soon as I am taped up, I also like to go on a pregame walk on the field with some of the girls just to relax and focus.

You have played soccer in Milton since you were very young. What’s your message to local players looking to play high-level soccer?

Hard work beats talent. The small detail that may not seem important when you're young become crucial once you grow up and develop into a player.