Young and old soccer players alike can breathe a sigh of relief because the long wait is finally over.
Old Parks Soccer Club kicked off the new season with a successful registration morning on 4 February.
Hundreds of excited boys and girls turned up with their parents to receive their new kits and register for the U6 to U17 age groups, while the men’s veteran and women’s open teams also accepted new entrants.
“We have invested R12 000 in new sports equipment for soccer training including ladders, hurdles and balancing balls,” said Gary Roodt, the soccer club’s director of coaching.
“We have our experienced coaches and some new ones. I have also made a coach’s programme for each age group, so everyone can train with exercises and drills specific to them.”
Old Parks competes in the Rand Central Local Football Association leagues and cups, and last year most teams finished well.
The U11s came second in their league and the U13s reached the plate final of the cup, while the U6 to U10 divisions play non-competitively.
Girls player, and Bordeaux resident, Sarah Walker attended training with the South African U17 team, and was selected for the squad against Botswana in the 2018 Fifa U17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers, although she did not play.
“Boys and girls play in the same teams up to U13 level, thereafter we have the open ladies side,” explained Old Parks Sports Club chairperson, Melanie Murcott.
“Many of our women are then picked up by Sasol Women’s League teams.”
Murcott said her aim for the women’s open side was to finish near the top, but primarily focus on development and attracting new, younger girls to the club.
Old Parks is preparing to host its Annual Soccer Tournament from 23 to 25 March, where 30 teams in the association will play.
Roodt and Murcott invited anyone interested in soccer at Old Parks to contact the club, or come watch a game or two.
Details: Old Parks Sports Club 011 789 3274/5.
Also read: Soccer development at Old Parks to take off
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