Slave Lake Minor Soccer Association (SLMSA) athletes kicked off their tournament season with impressive results, bringing home medals.
“I felt our kids did amazing in their first tournament,” says Randah Mouallem, the president of SLMSA.
Mouallem says that the teams travelled to Millet on June 13 and 14 for their first tournament of the season.
Before heading there, the U9 and U11 teams played friendly games against Athabasca teams on June 11.
Mouallem says that the U9 teams, made up of players who recently moved up from the U7 division, and went undefeated throughout the tournament.
The U9 team brought home gold from Millet tournament.
The U11 team battled hard, winning three games and losing two. They earned bronze medals.
The U13 team also had an outstanding showing in Millet.
Most of the players moved up from last year’s U11 team and finished the tournament undefeated.
The team scored an impressive 75 goals while allowing only three against them.
The U13 team brought home gold.
“A representative from Leduc Soccer suggested we play in a higher (harder) tier due to the talent level of these kids,” Mouallem says.
Meanwhile, the U15 and U17 group competed in Wetaskiwin on June 13 and 14 weekend as well.
Despite taking on older and bigger opponents, the team won two games, lost two, and brought home silver medals, Mouallem says.
“They battled hard and were up against bigger kids, but did not let that stop them,” she says.
For Mouallem, one of the best parts of tournament weekends is spending time with the players.
“My favourite part is talking to the kids. Their passion is contagious,” she says. “Watching the kids win game after game is just so amazing to see.”
She says that the success of the program would not be possible without the dedication of parents and families who volunteer their time and support the athletes.
“Without the support of our parents and families, these kids would not have the opportunity to travel to tournaments and play the sport they love,” says Mouallem.
Julia Magsombol
Lakeside Leader