Tofino and Ucluelet has an all girls soccer team for players in U9 and U11 divisions.
Coached by Kelsey Rix and Carly Greig, the squad of 12 practices once a week on Mondays and play games once a month in Port Alberni.
“It’s a whole other ball game,” said Rix, whose eight-year-old daughter Bryna Frost is on the team.
“I mean yes, there is a value to playing on a mixed team, but it’s just a different level of comfort when you play with girls. They are less afraid to get in there. It’s a different camaraderie.”
Dubbed the ‘West Coast Kickers’, the girls soccer club played their first game in Port Alberni on Oct. 15.
“All the girls touched the ball. It was great,” said Rix.
Soccer mom Kim Johnston said the team concept has been a longtime in the making.
“To have a sporting opportunity on the West Coast, in our small rural towns, where it’s all girls playing against all girls is really fantastic! They can continue to develop their soccer skills in a space where the playing field is a bit more level,” said Johnston, whose daughter Hannah Dennison is on the squad.
“The hope is that Ucluelet will grow its all-female soccer contingent and they will play against each other next year. That is something I’d really love to see,” she said.
Surf Sister Surf School stepped up to sponsor the team jerseys, Tanya Richards created the team logo, and registration is free thanks to the District of Tofino. Johnston said they are still on the hunt for new soccer balls and other equipment, so if anyone is interested in sponsoring, call: 250-726-6011.
If you have a daughter who is interested in joining the West Coast Kickers all girls team, contact coach Rix at kelseyrix@hotmail.com.
nora.omalley@westerlynews.ca
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