Three local youth are playing for Upper Island Riptide this year, giving sports fans three extra reasons to root for the soccer team.
Brothers David Jared Timothy, 12, and James Timothy, 14, formerly of the Sliammon Junior Braves are joining Powell River’s Cullen Buholzer, 15, who is back for his second year on the team.
“It will be nice to have the company,” said Buholzer, a U16 player who, prior to this year, had to make the regular ferry journey between Powell River and Comox by himself.
Although interest in soccer in Powell River is high, the relatively low population means all players have to commute out of the area if they wish to play tier-two soccer.
Although not in the same age divisions, the three players travel to the island on Fridays and Sundays for practice, and more often if there are games; a big commitment with school to juggle as well.
David Jared, new to the U14 division and also a new grade eight student, said he is ready to put the effort in.
“It will be tiring, but it’s a really good chance for me to play and get higher in the league,” said David Jared.
According to David Jared’s brother, James, new in the U15 division, upping their game was not easy.
“We tried out with some kids here who didn’t make it, so it was tough to get on the team,” said James.
The brothers, both fast strikers, say they are on top of their schoolwork, either completing it in class when they have time, or at night when they get off the ferry.
Despite these studious habits, they both agree that physical education is their favourite class, mostly because it doesn’t come with homework.
Their father, David Moon, has more concerns on his mind than homework.
“A lot of players try out for the team, but can’t handle the financial expectations,” said Moon. “All that travel gets expensive.”
Out of all the players in multiple age divisions on the Riptide team, only three are from Powell River. Letting the boys go is bittersweet for Moon, also their former coach on Sliammon Junior Braves, as his boys represent the third generation of soccer players to come out of his family.
Still, all the travel, expense and time is worthwhile, said Moon. “I just want to let my kids get out there have fun and develop their skills.”
Scott Fisher, who trains the boys in Powell River two to three times a week, said travel is the “nature of the beast” for those who wish to pursue high-caliber sports in Powell River.
Although Powell River Youth Soccer Association is really supportive of players here, the population makes it difficult if the child really wants to take the game to the next level, according to Fisher.
“You have to be organized and ready to spend lots of time away from home,” said Fisher.
Upper Island Riptide play Upper Island Storm in Comox Valley on Sunday, October 4.
CORRECTION: The three players featured in this article are not the only Powell River players on the Upper Island Riptide teams. Other Powell River players are Chris Fisher, Kate Fisher, Russell Pielle, Rikki Leitch, Callie Anne Abbott, Carsyn Casparie and Sophia Milsom. We apologize for the error.
