Pinnacles FC has strong start despite soggy weather
While the weather hasn’t exactly been cooperative, the local spring youth soccer season kicked into gear last weekend.
Pinnacles FC — an association that covers Penticton, the South Okanagan and Similkameen areas — launched its recreational campaign with the annual Icebreaker Tournament in the boys’ and girls’ U11 to U18 divisions.
“We’ve put this tourney on the last three years, and it’s a great chance for the coaches and players and everyone to get to know each other, iron out some kinks and get in some games before the league games start,” said Ezra Cremers, Pinnacles FC executive director and head coach.
Also last weekend, the Pinnacles competitive level teams played their opening games in the Thompson Okanagan Youth Soccer League.
“Practically all of our teams got off to winning starts,” said Cremers. “We’ve got some teams that will be in good contention for titles this year.”
The cool and wet weather has been a factor. Pinnacles FC had held a Spring Cup tournament the last five years, but — as it turned out — wisely decided against it this year.
“We didn’t have an alternative venue if we couldn’t hold it (at King’s Park), so we felt it was prudent not to go ahead and plan one for this season,” said Cremers, who added that the City of Penticton staff has done a “terrific” job having the fields ready to go for the opening weekend.
“The fields are holding up pretty good; we just need some sunshine.”
This weekend, the Pinnacles once again welcome the Calgary Blizzard youth organization to Penticton for a series of games today to Sunday at King’s Park. Between 6-8 boys’ and girls’ teams in the U11 and U12 will be making the bus trip from Calgary to get in some quality training ahead of their own youth season.
“They have been coming here for seven or eight years now, they love it here and it’s been a nice relationship between the two clubs,” said Cremers. “It’s a great opportunity for them to build for the season, both on and off the field, and a chance for both clubs to face some quality competition.”
As far as Pinnacles FC goes, Cremers said registration totals are almost on par with last year.
“With the weather, we’ve had a lot of late registrations, and a lot of kids signing up last weekend at the Icebreaker,” said Cremers. “I think we’ll have a better idea exactly where we’re at in another two weeks.”
Cremers said the number of Pinnacles FC teams in TOYSL competitive divisions (U11 to U18) has increased from 12 to 17. In addition, there are more competitive players at the U9 and U10 levels, who will play in out-of-town tournaments and also move up to play in higher age groups at the local recreational level.
“You see the competitive levels getting younger and younger,” said Cremers. “I’m not saying it’s good or bad, it simply is what it is. We do the very best we can to give every player the most positive and enjoyable experience possible.”
Cremers has been with Pinnacles FC for five years and recently signed on for five more.
“I’m really happy with how things have progressed and the direction we’ve going,” said Cremers. “It’s been a lot of fun to be a part of it. Volunteers continue to be the heartbeat of our program and we’re always happy to welcome more.”