Soccer enthusiasts in Williams Lake are in for a treat this weekend as the UNBC Timberwolves women’s soccer team comes for a visit.
The weekend will start on Friday with a clinic for soccer players over the age of 13, followed by a soccer match kicking off at 6:30 p.m. at the Esler Soccer fields. The Timberwolves will also be hosting a clinic on Saturday for players aged seven to 12. Family and friends are welcome to watch Friday night’s game by donation, and both clinics are free to attend though require registration.
Alexis Walch, administrative coordinator for the Williams Lake Youth Soccer Association, said events like this are kids’ “first option to see what can be next.” While hockey is such a popular sport in the Cariboo District, Walch said it’s often less obvious for soccer players to know what their options are beyond Williams Lake’s recreational soccer league. This event allows youth to meet varsity players and coaches and learn about their potential. Youth in the 13 plus category will also have the opportunity to sit behind the bench while the Timberwolves play to see what it’s like to be a varsity-level soccer player.
Everyone is welcome at this weekend’s clinics and game, however Walch highlighted the special importance female role models have for local girls that play soccer. The association was meant to host a girls only soccer camp next week but it has been cancelled due to low registration numbers. “It’s not like the door is closed,” Walch said about the camp. She said the association will continue trying to host these sorts of camps which empower girls to pursue the sport they’ve chosen.
The association is also gearing up for their fall season which Walch said will focus in on individual player development. They will have station-based training that will allow dedicated players aged six to 16 work one-on-one to improve their skills.
