On Sunday June 9 many up and coming soccer stars of the Valley Youth finished up another season of soccer. This year instead of a year-end tournament the league held a wrap-up party. Players brought many tasty snacks to share in this potluck style celebration and the league provided hotdogs and juice to all the players. Players enjoyed themselves on this fun filled sunny day.
The venue for all games this year was changed to Walker Island. This proved to be a beautiful location for games, and it is midway between the valley communities. The field was generally in good condition, although it was a little small for the high school students who really would have liked full sized goals. However it did allow them the opportunity to play and develop different skills.
This year the league had four divisions. Our youngest division made up of three, four, and five year olds had a great season of learning basic skills while playing fun games to practice their new skills. The kindergarten to grade two’s had many fantastic games. The improvement in this age group from last year was phenomenal. Team Rod and Gun under the leadership of Kyle Doiron showed everyone that soccer is a team game. Over the last three years the improvement of Ellery Dester’s soccer skills has been amazing. Jaymen Schieck’s determination didn’t go unnoticed, as did the courage of little Danny Legault who is only in preschool, but was determined to play real games with the big kids.
The new field best suited our grade three to five league. Players were able to work on their skills and enjoy themselves. After a slow start the high school students were able to play many games throughout the season, and work on the different skills that are needed on a small field. In the final game Felicity Delay’s “girl power” in goal led her team to victory in penalty shots, and she scored the winning penalty goal as well. Good job to all the players!
One of the goals of our community soccer league is to see all the players on teamwork together regardless of where they go to school. The league works hard with coaches to divide the teams up by skill, however, we believe this develops healthy competition as well helping to create new friendships among the players of the valley. Thanks to all the players, coaches, referees and parents who helped make this a successful year.