Spring marks the beginning of the growing season, and it is in full swing.
With the season comes new beginnings, and for a young Columbian who’s made Barrhead his home for the past four years, it could be the beginning of something new in town.
Once all the Barrhead Minor Soccer kids have cleared the field, and the fold-up soccer nets have been put away, a group of teenagers 14 years old and up strap on their shin pads and lace up their shoes.
“They tried doing this last year, but it didn’t work. They didn’t get enough people,” said soccer instructor Edwin Chilito.
For some players, it’s their first time ever playing soccer, and for others like Chilito, it is a passion that motivates. The focus for this year is to teach the game, said Chilito.
“In Columbia you start playing soccer at a young age, and you play everyday; it’s all you really do. We’re just playing for fun right now, but I’m really focused on teaching the game to these players,” said Chilito.
Chilito is aiming at building a mixed team of boys and girls, which can travel around playing other teams from surrounding towns.
“This year, we’re seeing if we can get enough people out to start a team that can play other teams like Westlock. We don’t have too much information about Westlock, but to start out, I think the team will be mixed,” said Chilito.
“Right now we just play against each other, but it would be really cool to play against other towns,” said Eric Flock.
Chilito is happy having anyone come out to play.
“It’s been pretty fun so far,” said Flock.
“We also wanted to give kids age 14 to 16 an opportunity to play. The first week we had 16 people, and now this week 22 people came out. That’s enough to have two full teams. I’m really happy about it,” said Chilito.
The current group of kids can give Barrhead something to be excited about. They sprinted up and down the field, moving the ball back and forth at nearly the same ease as a team that has played many games together.
“I’m pretty surprised at how good they are. They are not too bad; they just need to learn more about the game. That’s why we are here, to teach them and see where we can get to together,” said Chilito.
As the anointed coach and teacher, Chilito already has clear goals of what he wants to accomplish.
“I’m hoping to get the team going for next year, and to get more kids to come out,” said Chilito.
“I’d definitely come out to play next year, if they want to build a team to play other towns,” said Flock.
