The Penticton Soccer Club is celebrating its 60th anniversary by hosting the Pacific Coast Soccer League Challenge Cup.
The Pinnacles were awarded the opportunity to host the championship because of the birthday they are celebrating and its under-21 teams are looking to defend the titles they won last season. Ray Hintz is remaining as head coach of the women’s team, while Paulo Araujo also returns, but with the assistance of player/coach Wyatt Seddon-Johnstone.
The Pinnacles women’s team is extending invites to players in the city league as the club believes there is experience within the league that can help them this season.
“We are wanting to see everyone get an opportunity to play at a very high level of soccer,” said president Dale Anderson.
On the men’s team, they haven’t had a player/coach since Kevin Hearne. Seddon-Johnstone was asked by Araujo to share the coaching duties.
“This is a unique way for the club to keep the experience from Paulo and, at the same time, Wyatt, who is very respected by the coaching staff and players, is gaining that experience,” said Anderson. “We know this will create even deeper coaching talent for the future in Penticton. Both teams and coaches have already proceeded with training as the season opens at the start of May. “
In celebrating a 60th anniversary, the club is provided a way to fundraise as they will raffle off a unique 2011 Police Special Harley Davidson that was only used in the 9-11 parades in New York. There are only 3,500 tickets to be sold and once that is done, the club will be helping local non-profits and charities of the South Okanagan. Partial proceeds will be going to the U-21 teams, PSC, juvenile diabetes, and they are trying to make a substantial donation to youth soccer, especially the house league where the kids are just playing for fun.
Anderson said they are also still hoping to support a few more local charities and non-profits once all tickets are sold.
The PSC also has a new board of directors. Along with Anderson returning as president, Terry Peach has returned as vice-president. They have a new treasurer in Angie Anderson and secretary is Susan Bushman. Lifetime director Charlie Goeckel is returning and other returning directors are Dave Fraser, Karin Crowley, Peter Ord and Gord McLaren.
“We are thankful and lucky to have new directors, George Miller, Brian Johnson and Tom Goeckel,” said Anderson. “These are all very hard working individuals and excellent citizens of our city and community and I know they will do a great job for the PSC.”
