Mountain communities field youth soccer teams

By Heidi Hudson
Correspondent

Living in a small mountain community used to mean a lack of organized youth sports, but not anymore. The communities of Red Feather, Livermore, Glacier View Meadows and Crystal Lakes have joined together to create an opportunity for their children to play organized soccer.

The soccer program started about four years ago when Nancy West, physical education teacher for the mountain schools, organized a boy's team. "The hard part, at first, was getting the interest going," she said.

Thanks to her continuing efforts and also those of Joe Schroedel, the number of teams has expanded to include three boys' teams and two girls' teams. Each team has at least one volunteer parent coach, and many parents also help with the practices and referee the games.

This year, between the Livermore and the Red Feather schools, there are five teams that play in the Fort Collins Soccer League: a boys' 6 and under team, a boys' 7 and under team, a girls' 7 and under team, a boys' 9 and under team and a girls' 9 and under team. This translates to more than 50 kids playing organized soccer, many for the very first time.

"Life is good," said Mary Keller, whose sons Caleb and Ethan play soccer. "No more driving the kids all the way to Fort Collins to play." Before the soccer field was built, parents would have to pick up their children after school and then make the long drive into the city.

To create the facilities, the Glacier View HOA supplied the labor and equipment to build the soccer field. They also built a playground where younger siblings can play. Soccer practice is held after school three times a week, and the bus drops the youngsters off at the soccer field.

Recently, with a little help from one of the parents, the two girls' teams were able to schedule a training clinic with The Force, a women's semi-professional soccer team based in Fort Collins. The Force travels nationwide for competition, but made the time to work with the girls during their practice on April 11. They normally charge $15 per person, but grant money covered the cost. After the clinic, each girl also received a T-shirt.

The soccer program still has some obstacles to overcome. Getting grass to grow on the soccer field has been a big problem because of lack of water. "It can get muddy and slippery when it rains, so having grass on the soccer field is important for the safety of the kids," West said.

Getting the equipment the team needs has also been a challenge. Parents and coaches have built some of the equipment, some has been purchased secondhand and some donated.

Although it's still cold and the weather doesn't always cooperate, the youth are enthusiastic. "I always look forward to practice, and I'm really looking forward to playing in a game," said Dana Portlock, 11.

Schroedel, one of the coaches, is working with the players on conditioning to get them into shape. The kids will continue to hone their skills on their own turf, and then compete as part of the Fort Collins Soccer League.