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Show ! BEN LOMOND BEACON, March 15. 1979, Page 8 Nw by Keith Duncan Though not officially supported by Weber High School itself, the Weber High School Soccer Club will kick off its brand new season this Friday. The squad, in its first year of participation in the Utah High School Soccer Association, will travel to Clearfield for a 4:15 game. Soccer, considered by many as the fastest growing sport in America, has caught five in Ogden. The popularity of the sport has certainly taken its toll in the North Ogden, Pleasant View and Plain City areas over the past few years with hundreds of youth joining organized teams. Bill Smith, a citizen of the United States for just over four years now, will lead the Weber High group this season. The team couldn't possibly have picked up a more qualified and enthusiastic mentor. Coach Smith, as players have begun to call him, has been active in the sport of soccer since boyhood. Since coming to America from England, he has continued his steady interest in the sport by coaching his own boys on local youth teams. Even though were a new team in the league, I still feel well be competitive with the rest of the league. In years to come I can see nothing but excellence for teams competing from this area, said Coach Smith, "These first few weeks of practice Ive concentrated on getting the boys enthusiastic about playing the sport, thats really important right now. Coach Smith felt skills and techniques could be taught as the season progresses. Assisting Coach Smith will be John Chase. Members of the 1979 Soccer Club include students presently registered at Weber High School. Coach Smith explained that in order to be eligible to perform, a player had to be attending the school. Members include Billy Smith, Mitche Malan, Brent Schvaneveldt, Kirk Reese, Steve Hall, Dave Storey, Uerman Vasquex, Todd Dallinga, Rick Treasure, Rick Tanner. Paul Mackley, John Ferguson, Doug Belchert and Cody Martin. Several weeks ago, Billy Smith, (son of the coach), approached the administration of Weber High to inquire about the sponsoring of a team from the school. But because of the numerous other sports in both the boys and girls departments, the request to be sponsored was denied. The lack of funds and no ground to play on were other major factors in the administrations decision. . Weber Highs answers were not enough to discourage Mr. Smith and it wasnt long before two major sponsors were found. Both Pacific Chromalox, (Mr. Smiths present employer) and Maceys Market in North Ogden contributed enough funds to give the team the start they We wouldnt be playing needed. today if it werent for them, said a thankful Coach Smith. Hie next problem was finding ground suitable for a regular soccer field. The lack of any possible field in North Ogden has forced the team to play its home games, at Highland Junior High, just off second street in Ogden. After playing Clearfield this Friday, Weber will host Ben Lomond on March 27. The following Tuesday Weber will travel to Sky View. All soccer games will begin at 4: 15 p.m. For the past 15 years, Mr. Sm,ith Friday ( at-- p.m is much . more instrumental than telling them. I also believe strongly in enthusiasm. A lot of enthusiasm can bring outjgood sportsmanship, which is vial for the' sport, commented Coach Smith. Coach Smith has seen how the sport of soccer has grown in the North Ogden area, but motioned for more coaches and referees to volunteer time with the increasing number of youth signing up. German Vasquez could be a big plus for the Weber Soccer Club. He is a foreign exchange student with a lot of valuable experience behind him. has been involved in the sport of soccer. In England he played all through school, ' was an amateur performer for a while and was even given an offer to turn professional. In 1975, he and his family moved to the United States, being impressed mainly with the tremendous growth possibilities for he and his family. It didnt take long for he and his son, Billy, to get involved in local ASYO play. Coach Smith believes firmly in coaching by example. Its important for me to play with the kids during practice. Showing them how its done Coach John Chase Coach Bill Smith Bill Mitch Malan f .... 4yir t .jfSfi&.t-fc- Smith . Kirk Reese Steve Hall A Soccor in local aroa grows with Amorica Soccer Schedule All home games to by Keith Duncan The soccer boom is for real! Utahs youth will again put together that unmatchable enthusiasm as they commense another season of play in Americas fastest growing sport. In my tour of sports writing 'throughout Roy, North Ogden, and Clearfield, you couldnt help bid be amated by the excitement that another soccer season brings. Even in the smaller city of Plain City, hundreds of boys and coaches have already signed up. In fact most of . them signed up months ago, when most of us were thinking basketball. Last fall I made a trip to the Houston area and upon talking to several friends there, I was for the first time am ased at the growth the sport has taken in the put few years. Those kids in the South are really eating the sport up. be played at Highland Junior High Starting times for games. 4.1 5 Friday, March 16 Weber at Clearfield Friday, March 23 Bonneville atWeber Some 14,000 youngsters were registered to play in three major associations in the Houston area. In the Houston District Youth Soccer Association, the city proper, some Tuesday, March 27 Ben Lomond atWeber 30 Weber at Layton Friday, March Tuesday, April 3 Weber at Slcy View Fri March 23 (Non-Regio- n) Kearns at Weber More games to bo announced tatcr. " ( t t FT Vm - V., .';;4 Dave Storey German Vasquez J w t they can have enough certified teachers to start a soccer program in the schools. By then, 150,000 kids could be playing. Wowl They also said theyre looking at the 1583 World CUp right now. They claim theyre kids are as food as any in the world. By 1585 they say they will have the World Cup. and why not. With that kind of enthusiasm and the solid ground work that is being laid now, it could very well be possible. With more coaches and officials the soccer in the lioueton aroa could double, said my friends. And 1 have the same fseSng about our area. So, fathers, sica. up today. Who kaoi couki be coaching uyou player someday. a future Wo A ;-- fv.- - cf 4,600 .kids were kicking around the inflated white ball. Last year, the figure was 3,550. I merely give those figures to show the tremendous growth the sport has made in Just a few short years. My friends told me that soccer was the biggest hangup in Texas right now and will continue to be for the next long, long while. In two years they feel Todd Dallinga RickTrcasuro Paul Mackloy John Forguson Doug Ccchcrt filckTanncr Cody Martin 'i |