The VIPL Riptide U18 and U15 girls soccer teams faced American and Canadian sides from around the Pacific Northwest Nov. 25-27 at the Starfire Sports Complex in Seattle.
The teams each played four games in three days, each game presenting an opportunity to compete against new opposition and challenge themselves to find ways to improve team play. Each team progressed in each game, playing their best and most competitive games on the final day before heading home.
The girls also had an opportunity to play in front of college coaches scouting and recruiting for their teams. Personal contact was made with Kanyon Anderson, head coach of Peninsula College in Port Angeles, who provided some helpful tips on the recruitment process. Kanyon was able to draw a direct comparison for the girls to the success of individual character being a tremendous asset in his recruiting philosophy, in addition to a player’s soccer ability. He recruited Toni Powsey from the Riptide this past season to play for Peninsula College.
There were many players approached over the weekend by coaches from Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, Lethbridge University, Eastern Washington University, North Idaho College and Peninsula College. Plans are in motion for the U18s to play Peninsula College in the New Year. TRU might also conduct a player identification camp in the Comox Valley in the New Year.