Strong playoff run for Hanover U14 girls
Advertisement
It was a story of perseverance and striving for excellence as the U14 girls’ soccer team competed in the Winnipeg Youth Soccer Association, the first time a local team has done that in many years.
And while the squad finished the regular season in sixth place, and ended the playoffs ranked third, it was the development of the newly formed squad that impressed coaches, parents and the players themselves.
The team was formed by manager Trevor Barkman as an amalgamation of three different community clubs from Steinbach, Blumenort and Mitchell.
While the players had faced off against each other in the past, joining forces was new to them.
Head Coach Dillon Plett stepped up to coach the new squad, emphasizing development over success coming into the season.
That emphasis on development also paid off on the scoreboard.
The team came out to a 3-0 start before running into adversity and losing the next three.
“While this streak may have discouraged some teams, this team was different,” assistant coach Noah Froese said in a submission to The Carillon. “The dedication and accountability everybody displayed in coming to each practice session ready to work hard was clear.”
Froese said in his experience of playing with many teams, this one had a special bond both on and off the pitch, with players dedicated to supporting each other and improving at the sport.
The team came up on the final two games of the regular season with a 4-8 record.
They showed their talent and determination once again with 9-0 and 8-0 wins, giving them a sixth-place finish in the 11-team league.
In the playoffs, the squad dropped two games against Oakbank by identical 3-0 scores before defeating the CYSA squad they had lost to twice in the regular season. They won 3-0 and 7-0 respectively.
“With a strong third place finish overall once the playoffs had concluded, the Hanover team knew just how far they had come as players and teammates, but also as people since the team’s inception.” Froese wrote. “Under the tutelage and leadership of Coach Dillon, the girls displayed marked improvement day after day, and the coaching staff were very pleased with how the season went. It was truly special.”
“As the team’s journey continues in seasons to come, the sky is the limit for these girls as they continue to inspire each other to be better every day, both on and off the pitch,” he added.