By Jeff Wilson
This past Sunday, 13 teams from Kamloops, Kelowna, Vernon, Penticton, and Salmon Arm made the journey to Revelstoke for another Thompson Okanagan Youth Soccer League (TOYSL) Jamboree.
In the morning, our U11 Boys’ Development team faced off against the first of two Kelowna teams for the day.
Revelstoke started out strong with solid passes and a desire to win every ball. We were also the first on the scoreboard with a clever goal from Nelson Luxmoore after he found his way past the Kelowna goalie to earn a clear shot on net.
Trailing by a goal, the Kelowna team seemed to ignite and they regained control of the game posting 3 goals in the next 30 minutes. Revelstoke nearly narrowed the gap with a goal line struggle that seemed to go well for Revelstoke, but the goal was disallowed because of a foul against the keeper. The boys rallied their spirits and continued to play well, but they were not able to stop two more goals from Kelowna late in the game.
In the afternoon, the boys faced up against another Kelowna team that they have never been able to beat before. Undaunted from their morning loss, the first half of this game was an exciting mix of opportunities and close calls. With no score at the half and with the wind at their backs, Revelstoke strengthened their resolve and it wasn’t long before Thomas MacDonald sent a perfect pass through the Kelowna defensive line to the feet of Alex Gribbon who quickly put the ball in the back of the net.
With a keen awareness of what can happen to a one-goal lead, the midfielders worked extra hard to win each ball and the defensive line -anchored by Rogan Campbell, McKinley Buchanan, and Brodie Patry- repelled each Kelowna attack to hold on to the game for Revelstoke.
The U11 Dev Team would like to thank RYSA and all of the parent volunteers who helped setup and host this Jamboree. We would also like to thank The Village Idiot, Ursus Mountain Homes, and Grizzly Auto for the pizza party after the game.
Here are six more photos from the weekend:
