Bigger and it seems, better.
For the Amherstburg Soccer Club, Saturday’s Day of Champions was an opportunity to celebrate the local league teams and hopefully recruit a few more volunteers.
While trophies were handed out under the protective shade of tents throughout the day, everyone who took part this year were considered winners and according to the president, this year’s registrations numbers were the highest in club history.
“I don’t know why we have the growth. I think one reason is that we have a board of directors that is so attentive,” said Nick Cacciato.
One of the volunteer board members - Nina Medeiros-Dafesh - is in charge of the volunteers and she and her husband Andre Dafesh were busy organizing the day and helping pass out the trophies and medals.
According to Cacciato, there were 733 soccer players on 42 teams registered in the house league program plus 14 teams of the Fusion which is Amherstburg’s rep program.
“Our house league is our bread and butter. It’s our developmental league.”
As the interest in the sport grows, Cacciato noted that there is a greater need for more coaches, referees and board members.
Games held last Saturday at the Larry Bauer Memorial Complex at the Libro Centre began at 9 a.m. and stretched into the late afternoon. Team names like Little Pom Poms, Purple Flowers and Storm Howlers got in some practice time just as the outdoor turf was sidelined with supporters for the youngest age group, Under 4.
Games were also held for both senior and junior co-ed teams.
Cacciato says the youngest age group of players have seen a bit of a change in their games as they are now 45 minutes instead of one hour, and the popularity of the sport is evident at that age.
Asked if there are a few even younger future stars who want to get going, with a smile he responded, “it’s tough when you get an e-mail asking if their two-and-a-half-year-old can play.”
While the outdoor soccer season is winding down, the club takes advantage all year of the indoor turf at the Libro Centre.
Amherstburg Soccer Club wraps up its season with Day of Champions
By Fred Groves
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