This past Sunday, 13 teams from Kamloops, Kelowna, Vernon, Penticton, and Salmon Arm made the journey to Revelstoke for another Thompson Okanagan Youth Soccer League (TOYSL) Jamboree.
In the morning, our U11 Boys’ Development team faced off against the first of two Kelowna teams for the day.
Revelstoke started out strong with solid passes and a desire to win every ball. We were also the first on the scoreboard with a clever goal from Nelson Luxmoore after he found his way past the Kelowna goalie to earn a clear shot on net.
Trailing by a goal, the Kelowna team seemed to ignite and they regained control of the game posting 3 goals in the next 30 minutes. Revelstoke nearly narrowed the gap with a goal line struggle that seemed to go well for Revelstoke, but the goal was disallowed because of a foul against the keeper.
The boys rallied their spirits and continued to play well, but they were not able to stop two more goals from Kelowna late in the game.
In the afternoon, the boys faced up against another Kelowna team that they have never been able to beat. Undaunted from their morning loss, the first half of this game was an exciting mix of opportunities and close calls. With no score at the half and with the wind at their backs, Revelstoke strengthened their resolve and it wasn’t long before Thomas MacDonald sent a perfect pass through the Kelowna defensive line to the feet of Alex Gribbon who quickly put the ball in the back of the net.
With a keen awareness of what can happen to a one-goal lead, the midfielders worked extra hard to win each ball and the defensive line – anchored by Rogan Campbell, McKinley Buchanan, and Brodie Patry – repelled each Kelowna attack to hold on to the game for Revelstoke.
The U11 team would like to thank the Revelstoke Youth Soccer Association and all of the parent volunteers who helped set up and host this jamboree. We would also like to thank The Village Idiot, Ursus Mountain Homes, and Grizzly Auto for the pizza party after the game.
The Revelstoke U14 boys team also had a busy weekend at home hosting two games. The team is in the second half of its season and is now playing teams they have already seen once out of town.
Saturday was hot and sunny as the boys hosted Vernon down on Centennial Field. With a number of players away on a band trip, the remaining group buckled down and came back from being down twice to triumph with a 3-2 win.
The entire group was needed as the weather was a factor with Vernon having a much larger bench. After the game the boys cooled off in the Columbia with a number of Vernon players and coaches who joined us at the boat launch.
Sunday was overcast and windy as the boys hosted Kamloops up at Queen Elizabeth Park. All the other fields were busy as the boys U11 development team hosted their annual Jamboree.
Once again the boys played hard and emerged triumphant with a 4-2 win in convincing style. After the game a number of players went on to referee for the younger teams who took over Revelstoke for the day.
All in all it was a soccer filled weekend in which the boys did their home town proud. Next weekend sees another double header as the boys host Salmon Arm on Saturday and Kelowna on Sunday.