Battlefords FC off to hot start this soccer season

The U-13 boys lead the way for the Battlefords, winning gold, despite having to play the final game against Nipawin down-a-man with just 10 players to their opposition’s 11. Overcoming adversity, the club took home a 4-2 victory in the deciding contest.

Also on the weekend, the U-9 team came out on top in two of their three scheduled games.

The U-11 girls and U-11 boys, and U-19 boys each made the semifinals in their respective age groups.

To follow up their opening weekend performances, Battlefords FC only built on the success of their debut showing this past weekend at the Harder Avalon Classic.

Also in Saskatoon, the Battlefords’ teams came away with two gold medals, as each of the U-11 girls and U-13 boys placed first.

The U-11 girls pose for a picture with their gold medals from the weekend (Facebook/Battlefords United FC)

While the U-13 boys’ first gold came as the victors of Division III, the team’s second in as many weekends came as the champions of Division II. The team remained on top of the competition despite moving up a division.

Kat Huxley, who coaches the five teams, said part of the reason for the success of the U-13 team going 2-0 in tournament play so far, has been their grit. She said the team has shown a will to overcome any obstacles in their way, including personnel shortages and facing bigger city centres.

“No matter what, even if they have no subs, or they’re down a player, they know how to dig down deep and they know how to work super hard,” she said. “[The U-13 team] know they deserve to be on that field and competing with some of the best teams in the province.”

Huxley said the U-9’s also did great again on the weekend playing in their scheduled games, while the U-11’s and U-19’s left it all on the field despite being shorthanded in manpower.

The coach attributes a key to each of the teams’ success being the community in which they’re rooted.

“I think our success in general is just being from a small town,” Huxley said. “Being from a small community, you grow up with people that are on your team. You go to school with them; you just become close with them. It is much faster to create that gel and bond that you have.”

In addition to comradery, the coach said the teams each embody a certain level of grit and tenacity, while excelling at playing a fast game.

“Most of our teams are definitely attacking teams,” she said. “We go out there and make sure other teams have to follow us around. We like control of the game, and to let the goalie know that we can shoot the ball.”

Battlefords United will return to action in Kindersley on June 16, with the U-13’s also playing in Saskatoon on June 21. Additional club days are also in the works, to close out the season at month’s end.

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Martin.Martinson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: MartyMartyPxP1

by Martin Martinson

Battlefords FC off to hot start this soccer season

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