The KEYSA Youth Soccer Tournament went off without a hitch thanks to an army of volunteers that helped out a fresh pair of event co-chairs.
Attracting a field of 31 teams, co-chairs Juli Sebben and Kelly Epp were at the helm for the first time as event organizers, which seemed like a daunting task at first, until volunteers came out of the woodwork to help out.
“The tournament itself went wonderfully, it went without a hitch, really,” said Sebben. “We couldn’t have asked for better weather.
“We have to say thanks to all our sponsors and our community for all they did for us with donations and supplies and things like that.”
Set during a weekend that consisted of perfect weather conditions, teams occupied all five fields at Moir Park all day on Saturday and Sunday.
Sebben said she was struck by how big the event was when she got a birds-eye view of the lower fields while on the upper level of the park.
“We were looking down at the two games that were going on in the lower field and I was talking with [a friend] and I said, ‘Look at this.’
“It was end to end with spectators watching these kids play soccer, and we look over at the other field, and it’s end to end spectators and people laying up on the hill enjoying the sunshine and watching the soccer.
“I said, ‘Wow, this is why we do the tournament.’”
The tournament was as big as it was last year, but had one team drop out at the last minute. Sebben and Epp are on board again next year and hope to keep growing the event.
“It was really a team effort and I think for me, that was the most overwhelming part of it, was how many people were willing to step up and help us,” Sebben said.
“It was amazing to me how quickly things got done.”
Sam Steele Soccer Tournament results:
Girls
U13
Nelson
KEYSA
Canmore
U14
Cochrane
KEYSA
Kootenay South
U16
Columbia Valley
Foothills
Nelson
Boys
U13
Kootenay South
Nelson
Columbia Valley
U14
KEYSA U14/15
Nelson
Kootenay South
U16
Columbia Valley
Nelson
Creston
U18
Nelson
Coaldale
KEYSA