A number of youth soccer players heading down-Island for the Nations Coming Together Tournament in Nanaimo May 23-24.
The local We-Wai-Kai Band had the largest contingency of players with four teams. The U5 team coached by Cliff Roberts, U7 by Kevin Leader/Eddie Cliff Jr, U10 Frances Roberts, and U13 Glenn Assu. The U5 and U7 had a daunting schedule which saw them playing all four games on Saturday. Both qualified for the finals but lost in close matches.
The U10 easily qualified for the final and had some great passing plays to win their division 4-1. Ethan Vaton and Rylan Price were named Allstars. The Most Promising Player was Ty Ludwikowski and Carter Hall was the Most Sportsmanlike.
The U13s found themselves in two very difficult games, both semi final – a comeback 3-0 to win 4-3, and the final against a very tall, very old Thunderbirds out of Victoria. The U13s, with average age of 11, showed true talent and true grit can overcome gigantic opponents. This talented team was led by Josh Rolland, Brady Assu, Charlie Borrie, Sam Borrie, but surrounded by a cast of skillful players including Keanu Billy, Christine Price, Kyra Lazzar , Emoni Bush, Nico, Scott Assu, Owen Brandstaetter, James Timothy, Jared Timothy, outstanding play the goalies Brooklyn Pallen and Jon Smith.
The final went into double overtime with We-Wei-Kai FC making a nice passing play for the halfback Owen Brandstaetter to James Timothy who calmly slotted it past the Victoria Tbirds goalie. Final score 2-1. Josh Rolland picked up an Allstar along with Charlie Borrie (a rarity since she is a defender) and Sam Borrie for Most Promising Player.
