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Thompson soccer to send select team to tournament

The Thompson Junior Soccer Association is sending a select squad to an out-of-town tournament for the first time in four years later this summer, says association president Earl Kuldys.
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Coach Peter Harris is taking 15 Thompson soccer players to Brandon for a tournament in August.

The Thompson Junior Soccer Association is sending a select squad to an out-of-town tournament for the first time in four years later this summer, says association president Earl Kuldys.

"It's a start," said Kuldys, who would have liked to see more select teams created but was unable to find more coaches.

Tryouts for the team, an under-12 boys' and girls' select squad, were held July 4-6 at Burntwood Elementary School, under the supervision of head coach Peter Harris, assisted by Stan Wong and Kuldys.

Eighteen players attended the camp and the roster has room for 15, said Harris.

The players selected will attend a tournament in Brandon Aug. 7-9.

"This should be a fun event and a great chance to refine our soccer skills," said Harris, who hopes to squeeze in a half-dozen practices before the tournament, along with fundraising events.

With just over a week remaining in the TJSA's house league schedule, Kuldys said he has been receiving a lot of positive feedback on the 2009 season, with players telling him they like the change in policy which sees games played rain or shine unless there's thunder and lightning.

The president is also happy with the work of his officials.

"The refs have been showing up, which is a bonus," he said. "We got a good group of refs."

The main complaint he hears is that the season, which wraps up July 16, is over too early.

The decision to name teams instead of just identifying them by colour has also gone over well.

"The kids are really enjoying the team names," said Kuldys.

Tara Larter, who oversees the Timbits division for five- to seven-year-old players, says the season has been a success from her perspective.

"I think so far the season is going really well," said Larter, with sun being more of an issue than rain. "They're getting tired because of the warm weather. They're still out there giving 'er. They seem to be having a blast."

Larter also praised parents in her division for making sure players are present and ready to play.

"Kudos to them for getting out the kids," she said.

Kuldys says plans for the end of the season include a tournament-style wrap up for the four teams in the 10- to 12-year-old division, which will play round-robin games against their opponents over the last two weeks to set up a final game championship playoff between the first and second place teams, while the third and fourth place squads will duke it out for third place.

In the seven- to nine-year-old division, each team will pick a most valuable player, most dedicated player and a most improved player to receive individual awards.

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