Strathmore Soccer saw growth in 2015 season

Justin Seward
Times Reporter

 

The Strathmore Soccer Federation was able to overcome their short benches this year, after seeing an influx of team members this season.
President Mark Shorhen was pleased with how the players responded to the shortage situation.
“Biggest thing was the progression of each one of the teams,” said Shorhen. “They’re always playing at the bare minimum players. They were very successful and they came along quite well.”
With a short bench players tend to get tired faster, but Shorhen credited the coaches for keeping the players’ stamina up.
Shorhen’s priority this off-season will be to start a new league for next year and has already had interest from places like Beiseker, Irricana, Chestermere and recently Standard.
“We’ll have full control over how the league is run, that would be a new chapter,” said Shorhen.
There were quite a few coaches from the area who played soccer in Strathmore in the past and have come back to coach teams, and Shorhen is hoping that it will be a continuing trend for seasons to come.
Most of the coaches have played a higher calibre of soccer and he thinks it’s a great thing for the players and the parents.
“I think that really helps with the parents that they see that they’re kind of getting their money’s worth out of the sport, and it’s not just Joe Blow trying to play soccer and trying to run it,” said Shorhen.
He added that it has been good having the coaching help, as he now has the luxury to sit back on the bench and watch the game with both of his kids.