A soccer team of 18-year-old girls from the Sylvan Lake Blizzard Soccer Club Travel League kicked off their season in a game against Camrose Monday evening at CP Blakely School, but lost 3-0.
Even though the girls lost their game, they still showed respect and support towards each other. It was obvious the girls were playing for the love of the sport.
Danielle Grapatin, assistant director for the club said the club’s purpose is to provide a fun sports atmosphere for all the players during the six-week summer season.
She said the club tries to play fair game by giving each of the players a chance on the field, regardless of their skill level.
“It's all for the purpose of the love of the game,” Grapatin said.
The club has a Travel League division with around 100 players and includes a team of 12- to 14-year-old players, and teams of 16- and 18-year-old players.
The club also has the House League division which includes around 415 players this year, all from the Sylvan Lake area. The division has teams ranging from age four to age 14. All of the games are played in town, at CP Blakely School or Leader Field.
The Travel League teams play against other soccer teams in Central Alberta such as Rocky Mountain House, Stettler, Clive, Ponoka and Lacombe.
Grapatin commented on the club atmosphere and said it’s nice to be involved with the club because it’s large, strong and fun.
“I see the kids having an awesome time,” Grapatin said. “I went to the year-end tournament last year and everyone was excited. There's a lot of festivity that goes around in that club.”
Grapatin said people have shown their membership commitment, making the club strong. She said some of the older children have been playing soccer since they were four years old.
“There's quite a bit of community within the soccer club,” Grapatin said. “There are a lot of people who put a lot of time and energy into the club and that really contributes to its success.”