The Sunshine Coast Youth Soccer Association U17 Boys’ Storm are Kamloops-bound after seeing off GVU Lightning 4–3 in a pulsating Coastal Cup semi-final. In doing so, the lads achieved a rare feat — securing a provincials berth for a SCYSA boys’ team for just the third time in over two decades, according to local football lore.
Building on a strong showing at the Ice Breaker Tournament in Kelowna and back-to-back early-round Coastal Cup wins, the Storm now boast a formidable record of 15–5–4 — a testament to their consistency, graft and sheer pride in the badge.
The semi-final kicked off with fireworks. Just three minutes in, Storm keeper Ezra Vernon produced a stunning save, getting down sharply to claw away what looked a certain goal for Lightning. It was a pivotal moment — and the Storm made it count. Moments later, they broke up the other end and buried the opener, setting the tone for what should have been a routine day at the office.
By the hour mark, the Storm were four to the good, with Zach Pence bagging a majestic two-footed hat-trick — three shots, three goals, each slotted low and into the side netting with ice-cold precision. Pence led the line with real menace, and the lads looked to be cruising into the final.
But the football gods had other ideas. Despite conceding only 12 goals across 19 league matches all season, the Storm defence teetered like a bicycle gaining speed but forgetting how to steer — wobbling wildly before regaining balance and steering it safely home. GVU Lightning mounted a furious second-half comeback, pulling three back to set up a nail-biting finish. The travelling support was on edge, but the lads dug deep, showed their mettle, and saw the match over the line.
Speak to anyone around the squad and the reasons for their success are clear: relentless work rate, fierce consistency, and immense pride in wearing the shirt. Through the long, dark winter months, these boys turned up twice a week to train, rain or shine, putting in the hard miles over an eight-month campaign that’s now bearing fruit.
The semi-final was made even more special by the presence of local football legend Mike Cowie, who made the journey to Surrey to back the lads. His appearance sent a real buzz through the crowd. As one supporter put it, “When Cowie’s on the touchline, you know it’s a big one.” Another fan quipped, “When Mike Cowie shows up, it’s like someone let the fireworks off early — and brought their boots.”
Now the Storm are preparing for the provincials in Kamloops from July 10–13, ready to represent the Coast with the grit, guile, and graft that’s defined their campaign.
With the cost of five days in the Thompson-Okanagan heat looming large, the club is rallying the community for support. Fundraisers will roll out over the coming weeks — and any donation, no matter the size, will help propel this special group on their march toward glory.
