Youth soccer players ready to hit the field

FANCY FOOTWORK:
Anderson Youth Soccer League offers opportunities for both competitive and recreational soccer players.

Dozens of competitive and recreational soccer teams are geared up for the season in the Anderson Youth Soccer League.

The Black Widows, Scorchers, Ladybugs and Gladiators are just a few of the teams in the soccer league open to both boys and girls of varying ages and experience levels.

Opening day is August 15 at Anderson River Park. The opening ceremony will include a parade. Division IIII games start Aug. 16.

The Division IIII soccer teams are open to all children who want to play. This recreational league emphasizes fun and learning the game.

The Division III teams are competitive. Tryouts are required to participate, and the teams get to travel. Their first game is Aug. 9 in Fort Bragg.

“It’s just unbelievable to these guys play,” Said AYSL board member Robin Skudlarek. “Sometimes they paint their faces, or color their hair. They really get into the competition.”

Coach Sam Fully has coached his son’s teams since his son started playing soccer in 2002. Now, his son is playing on a competitive team, in the Anderson Division III program.

Fully said the best part of coaching is watching the team come together.

“There is nothing more satisfying than watching the kids move the ball down the field on game day,” he said. “As a coach, when you see your team ‘click’ it makes you feel incredibly proud.”

Playing on a soccer team can teach kids about leadership, teamwork, commitment and more, the coach said.

“These are valuable tools not only for soccer, but for life,” Fully said.

“If nothing else soccer teaches children to face a challenge and accept it, not run from it; and that helps build their confidence.”