REGINA — A southeast soccer team partook in the U19 Boys Division Soccer Outdoor Provincials, held in Regina July 8.
With only two teams entered, the Stoughton Soccer Club was competing against the SUSC Swansea team from Saskatoon.
The first game of the provincials was held at Mosaic Stadium. The teams went head-to-head and ended in a 1-1 tie. The second game was held at Mount Pleasant Sports Park, and teams again battled it out with a score of 1-1, causing a penalty kick-off. The Stoughton Soccer Club pulled ahead and was close to a victory, but SUSC Swansea took it with the last two kicks and won the championship.
"These two teams put up an amazing fight to win. It was amazing to see such a small-town team take on such a large city team, and to keep the team at bay and come out with tie games was incredible. This small-town team came to Regina and brought a lot of heart and a love for the game," says Teresa Ellis with the Stoughton team.
"The defeat was a big win in Stoughton Soccer Club's eyes. They may have lost, but these kids played their hearts out and did better than anyone had anticipated, as they were all so young. These kids were full of high fives, hugs and encouragement even in the face of defeat, it was such an amazing thing to see," Ellis added.
SUSC Swansea won the Championship Cup. The winning goal was kicked right to the corner of the net. The Saskatoon team rushed out to embrace their kicker and their goalie.
"These kids were so excited, as they should be, to win such a monumental trophy," Ellis shared.
The teams all shook hands and lined up. The SUSC Swansea team received their trophy and had their photos taken. The Stoughton Soccer Club received silver medals and had their photo op.
The SUSC Swansea team then invited the Stoughton Soccer Club to join them for a group picture.
"SUSC Swansea yelled, 'Everyone, arms around each other', and another picture was taken," Ellis shared.
She added that both teams were encouraging and acknowledging players that played an exceptionally hard game.
"And then ending the day with a group picture to uplift each other, was one of the most heartfelt experiences I have ever seen," Ellis said. "Both teams need recognition for the hard games they played and the incredible sportsmanship they showed. We want to commend them for a game well played.
"And a big thank you goes out to Regina and the Saskatchewan Soccer Association for hosting this amazing tournament and giving these kids the opportunity to play at Mosaic Stadium."
The Stoughton Soccer Club's team had a wide variety of ages participating in provincials this year. Players ranged from 13-18 years of age, with much of the team being Grade 8-9 students.
"This is the youngest team I have ever had the privilege of taking to provincials, and they did a tremendous job against kids much older than them," said club president and coach Erin Clark.
The majority of the team came from Stoughton, but they also have players from the surrounding areas, with Ryden Ellis being from Benson, Liam Chesney – from Lampman, and Tye Laporte coming from Alameda.
For the provincial the team also recruited players from other towns they played against in their regular season, with Minty James, Lincoln Pryde, Kori Roberts and Taylor Martin joining from the Redvers soccer team.
"The Stoughton Soccer Club trains hard and plays hard, and Erin [Clark] takes immense pride in helping all these kids hone their skills, and trains them in endurance, kicking skills, ball control and so much more. She really is a big part in helping these kids become the best players they can be. She dedicates all her extra time to soccer, and it definitely shows, as these kids had some incredible skills," Ellis said.
Erin says, "she can't do it on her own" and her husband, Rory Clark, who is also a coach, is a huge help in keeping the soccer club going and supporting her at every turn. Erin also commended her veteran players.
"These players helped the younger players grow in the sport of soccer, and they were amazing mentors to them," she said.
Four of these veteran players leave next year, and "it's hard watching them age out of soccer," Erin said.
