This week marks the first of a rebuilding process for Powell River Villa and it begins with 100 per cent local talent.
In past years players were “flown in” to bolster the lineup in an attempt to secure enough points to be successful, however, the reliability of those players to show up caused considerable grief for coaches.
New coach Chris McDonough, who played with the team last year but now plays with the Masters team, vows to commit to Powell River youth.
“We had a meeting in June and laid everything on the table with everyone, that we need a bigger commitment than in past years,” he said. “From there we decided to go with local players and I think that will help and make us more of a team.”
Veterans such as Kye Taylor, Jamie Zroback and Kyle Vasseur have left but McDonough thinks there are enough remaining to mentor the new guys. “We still have Nick van’t Schip, Jordy Peters, Dean Thorsell, Brodie Harry and Matt Liknes for a pretty good core.”
He has some pretty good reasons for taking on the job of coach. “I was a player last year and we were relegated so I’d like to get us back to where we were and help us get over that disappointment.”
He has done some checking around and thinks Powell River has a good shot at success in its new division.
“I’ve never seen any of the teams in division three,” he said, “but I’ve talked to Comox and they said the top half is pretty strong but the bottom half not as strong.”
Villa has been busy training and already played three exhibition games to prepare for the season.
“We started out with 25 to 30 guys,” said McDonough, “and now we’ve weaned it down to about 15 training on most nights.”
Villa tied its first exhibition game in Comox, then lost to them 3-1 at home. Against the over-35 Masters team, Villa won 3-2.
“They were okay results because we were using backups to see what they could do,” he said.
All home games will be scheduled for 1:30 pm on Sundays at Timberlane Park.
The first one is on Sunday, September 15, against Peninsula Stachers.
“I feel pretty confident that we’re prepared going into the season,” said McDonough, “and hope soccer fans will come out and support the local kids.”
