Future looks bright for NYS boys rep program
By The Nelson Daily Sports
The future of the boys rep program for Nelson Youth Soccer should be coming up roses sooner than later.
That’s all because of the focus NYS is taking with the U12 program.
“The focus at this age is development,” said mentor/coach, Jamie Spendlove.
“We don’t want to cut any kids and perhaps discourage them from pursuing rep soccer.
“A kid that might just miss out on the team at this age, if there were cuts, might be a star player in a couple years, with the extra development.”
Spendlove said NYS would enter two teams for every tournament on the schedule — the strongest players spread onto both teams.
“We’re making them balanced, but not as strong as if we entered just one team,” Spendlove explained. “This weekend in Kamloops was no different where we entered two, balanced teams in the tournament.”
The results were somewhat varied as a result, but overall, some strong performances were delivered from both teams and all the boys.
“I was very pleased with the strong play and leadership shown by our second year players that were put on both teams,” said coach Kerry Dyck.
“They lead the way. But at the same time, several of our new players, both U12 and U11, stepped up at times with great performances as well. I found that very encouraging.
“You could see the progress even through the weekend.”
The first Nelson team finished the weekend with one win and three losses.
However, in two of the three losses, the team played very well, and with a bit of luck, could have come away with a tie or even a win.
The second Nelson team finished the weekend with two ties and two losses.
Again, they played very well in three of the games and could have won both of the games they tied and even in one of the losses.
Leading the way for Nelson from both teams with goals was Ezra Foy with four, followed by Angus Paterson with two and singles by Keanu Tromans, Jesse Thurston, Jesse Harold, Dylan Luscombe, Bradey Sookero, Max Spielman, Josh Schacher, Thomas Baxter and Jaden Dyck.
Jesse Thurston, Max Spielman, Sam Foy, Jaden Dyck and Bradey Sookero won game MVP honours.
The U11/U12 Selects’ next action is June 2-3 in Kalispell Montana.
