Thoughts are beginning to turn to Spring soccer

Thoughts are beginning to turn to Spring soccer

Jan. 13, 2001

STAFF REPORT

Although the calendar says it’s dead of winter, it’s not too late to begin thoughts of spring and soccer.

The third annual Indoor Arena 4V4 Soccer Tournament is set for Feb. 17-18 in the Indoor Arena (hard-packed dirt floor) at the Montezuma County Fairgrounds. The tournament is open to all ages with adults (aged 15 and older) playing co-ed (two women, two men). Three fields will be set up. The arena is reserved for two days, but no age will play both days. Each team will play a minimum of three games.

Early signup is recommended because space is limited. The entry fee is $80 for players between the ages of 8-9 and $100 for all others. The divisions are: Boys U10, Boys U12, Boys U14, Girls U10, Girls U12, Girls U14, and Adult U15 and older co-ed.

For more information, phone Barbara Cullington at 565-7106 or visit coloradowest@frontier.net.

The United States Soccer Federation is offering a clinic to anyone interested in becoming a soccer referee. No previous experience is required. The clinic is open to adults and youths, men and women, and all ages 11 and over. This is an official introductory 17-hour course.

It is scheduled Feb. 8-9 during the evening and Feb. 10 at the Cortez Police Department building, 608 N. Park St. in Cortez. The fee is $30. To enroll, phone and leave name and number at 565-3402 (City Hall). The first session will begin at 6 p.m. Feb. 8.

For more information, phone Chris Burkett at 565-3402.

The Summer of 2000 saw several locals traveling the globe, playing or coaching soccer.

From the Montezuma-Cortez High School girls varsity team, captain Emilie Lanier participated in the Tourney Sports Tournament in Hawaii. The teams were composed of outstanding high school juniors from around the country. Carmelita Perez traveled with the People-to-People Sports Ambassadors to Australia and New Zealand, participating in the Kanga Cup. Both girls were fortunate to have been helped financed by area businesses, donations and fund-raisers.

From the MCHS boys varsity team, Joe Siracusan and Ian Cain were off to Europe playing with teams from Farmington.

Cullington was also able to travel and coach for People-to-People in the Kiwi Cup in New Zealand. Between soccer clincis and placing second in the Kiwi Cup, her team, composed of high school girls from around the United States were able to tour Sydney and the north island in New Zealand.

Each year People-to-People sponsors sporting tours. During the summer of 2001, Cullington will travel to Denmark and Sweden where she will coach in the Gothia Cup. The Gothia Cup annually attracks teams from throughout the world.

On Jan. 20, a meeting will be held at the Doubletree Hotel in Durango beginning at 10 a.m. Athletes and parents can find our more information about the Sports Ambassadors program.

A coach should be officially named soon for the still vacant girls varsity soccer program at MCHS. Several candidates have been interviewed and a name will be recommended to the RE-1 School Board meeting this Tuesday, Jan. 16.