Some playing areas don’t have nets, markings for penalty boxes and touch lines. Some games don’t stick strictly to the rules.
What there is in abundance is fun, lung-bursting energy and high enthusiasm.
Say “hello” – or should that be “goodbye for now”? – to soccer Barrhead-style, soccer that is all about family enjoyment and lets three-year-olds get involved.
Barrhead’s two months of soccer came to an end last Monday evening with a traditional wind-up at Cecil Martin Park. Thankfully the sun shone, a rarity during a rain-affected season.
As usual, the IGA provided hotdogs, cookies, chips and pop to give the occasion a festive feeling.
There was also plenty of soccer, with Dads and Moms joining in the action.
Nobody minded that goalposts in some games had to be improvised or play occasionally continued on the path bordering the pitch. Who cared if Dad lifted his child up to give himself a clear shot at goal?
The event was about having fun, getting out and about, and enjoying the sight of children like four-year-old Gage Couiyk chasing a multi-coloured ball.
Equally engaged were seven-year-old Aaron Vangrootheest and Hunter Fauser, aged 12, who made the most the last game of the season.
Watching from the sidelines was Holly Couiyk, who coached a team of six to seven-year-olds called the Spiders. A newcomer to coaching, she said she had enjoyed the experience and was impressed by the skill shown by some of the kids.
“All the children were so enthusiastic and energetic,” she added.
Barrhead Minor Soccer Association’s Mike Nanninga was thankful that the sunny weather made for a perfect day for the wind-up.
The upward trend in soccer registration has continued. This year the number increased to 275. The upper age limit is 16.
