U14 Scorpions' goalkeeper Gurveen Clair has been chosen for the B.C. provincial U13 girls' team.
That's right, she is one of the girls on the Scorpions who could play in an age group below them and play a year ahead and more than hold their own. It is no surprise Gurveen has been selected.
Her progress has been rapid under goaltender coach Rick Mithrush and head coach Dave Hargreaves.
Gurveen shows a confidence in her play that is years ahead of her age and maturity. Her play selection is sound for the experience she has. We may be watching one of Canada's future stars. I temper this comment to warn her not to believe the press clippings, because only her hard work can result in the future we see for her.
Congratulations, Gurveen. Your fans are confident you will do yourself proud representing our beautiful province.
The Scorpions are in a relaxed training mode now waiting for the provincials to roll around in July. The West Van Fury U18 team has a Coast flavour as we are represented by Sammi Dixon and Mandi Lineker.
The Fury are also pointing to the July provincials being held in Surrey. Sammi patrols the left side in any position and is a natural right-footed shot. She is a very "heady" player and can adapt to whatever her coach requires.
Mandi is playing in the centre midfield where she can use her strength on defence and her speed and terrific shot (with both feet) on attack. The girls have been a formidable duo playing together in Coast recreation leagues over the years. Mandi graduates from Chatelech in June so will no doubt move into the adult leagues next year. Sammi has just successfully completed tryouts with the Fury and will be playing in the U18 league in West Vancouver next fall.
The SC United boys' U14 team has had two players selected for the North Shore District all-star teams that will be playing for the district championship cup.
Julian Cantarutti plays centre midfield and is the heart of United.
Hard work on defence and attack plus sound ball skills and sound distribution ability are Julian's forte. He reminds soccer buffs of another United player (Man U, of course), midfielder Roy Keane (without the tough edge). Julian plays within his capabilities and does not try to overreach, which makes him so effective. Julian will be on the U14 district team.
Nathaniel Lussier is the second midfielder chosen from the United team. Nathaniel has been playing in a league two years over his age group.
Nathaniel will be playing on the U13 district team. He is not the largest player on his team, but he has quick feet and really impressive ball skills. More of a constructive player than a ball winner, he is learning when to hold the ball and when to spread it around.
This young lad is a student of the game and will no doubt develop into a player that makes the offence click. They will be a delight to watch mature in the game. Well done, boys.
Rep soccerInterest has been shown by coaches and players for a teenage girls' soccer drop-in night during the summer. We are working on the logistics and will keep you posted.
Also, there are several tryouts planned for next year's rep soccer teams. Men's soccerMen's Over-35 has organized soccer drop-in starting Sunday, May 1, at Cliff Gilker Park from 8 to 10 p.m. Call Blaine Schleibinger at 604-886-8264 for more information.
WhitecapsThere is another Vancouver Whitecaps double-header on Sunday, May 22, starting at 4 p.m. - two games for only $9 and good seats too.
There will also be a mini coaching session for 40 U11 players before the first game. Get your individual tickets and enter the coaching session draw at MarketPlace IGA in Gibsons. If you are organizing a group, give me a call at 604-885-9719.
