What makes sports great is that once in a while, it is able to bring out the best in people and allow those rare qualities such as character, endurance, perseverance, patience and commitment to shine ever so bright. It allows us to comprehend that sometimes victory in youth soccer can be so much more than the narrow definition of number of games won. Such is the accomplishment of AYSES 98 Gold West team. In many ways, the team is very special.
This was a recreational team that was given no chance of making Classic League. A team that joined AYSES merely weeks before qualifying games. A team that did not have enough players. A team that because of it’s thin roster played games with limping players and less than a full team from time to time. A team that won only one game in the fall season while in the process conceding thirty four goals and scoring only four.
The miracle is that despite their circumstances, despite the difficult moments, the team had players of character and committed parents who continued to work hard at practice. These players did not give up. Their coach did not give up.
The turnaround was dramatic. The team played much better in the spring season, winning four games, and playing well enough to be competitive the rest of the games. They did well enough to avoid relegation.
We realize that some people may think that we are making a big deal out of it. To us, the real success of our teams is measured by more than just number of wins. The accomplishment of AYSES 98 Gold West team is a big deal and one that all of AYSES is proud of because it represents what we cherish most in our teams.
Congratulations to the players and parents of AYSES 98 Gold West team and to coach Vinnie Davies!!
