Despite losing four games in Chilliwack, coach Casey Hall says the 100 Mile House Storm U16 girls soccer team put up a good fight at the 2014 BC Soccer Provincial B tournament on July 3-6.
A short playing season in the North means less experience with the really high-end soccer played by teams in bigger centres in the southern part of the province, so it’s a challenge to compete, the coach explains.
That being said, he adds: “I am very proud of our girls as they have hearts like lions. The tournament … was an excellent opportunity for the girls to see just how hard you have to work to compete at that level.”
100 Mile House won the “Fair Play” award. The girls played hard and earned no penalty cards.
“I think the team was very nervous going in,” Hall says. “It is such a large, intimidating venue and a lot to take in. Most of these girls have never participated in such a ‘professional’ sporting competition. I think the team represented 100 Mile as a well-mannered hard working team and they should be proud of themselves.”
Hall believes some girls on the team have potential to play higher level soccer if they stay committed and train hard.
“The opportunity for university or college teams is always real and soccer is a popular, growing sport. It was also nice for me to see what the level of soccer around B.C is like and how other teams are playing the game. Hopefully I can bring some of that back to 100 Mile.”
