Hope Soccer 8 and 9 Year Old Division

The Hope Soccer Association 8 and 9 year old division played on Thursday. Coaches encouraged the players to move forward and stay with the ball and not give up as well as to kick the ball down the field away from the goal. There was some enthusiastic playing encouraged by spectators as well as coaches.

There were over 320 children that signed up to play with more wanting to sign up afterwards.

It has been talked about doing a Soccer Tournament for the Watermelon Festival but certain things need to be in place first.

While the City of Hope and the Tourism Commission has improved the field and is talking about improving the parking situation the irrigation situation also needs work as the lack of certainty about whether or not the fields will be playable causes players to lose interest.

Edmundo Dominguez talked about the benefits of the sport including career opportunities. Unfortunately Hope, competing with Dequeen loses players as a result of the fields’ challenges.