The Bulkley Valley Rapids boys’ U18 rep team is back at it, practicing in preparation for the coming 2014 spring and summer season.
The defending Smithers Mens’ League champions will look to retain their title, but there will be a few other teams that might have something to say about that.
Though winning the league is a priority, the team’s season long goal is to win their zone tournament and do well at provincials.
The rep team will play a few exhibition games against other cities and towns from around the northwest this season, and head down to Kamloops to take part in the Kamloops rep tournament.
“The primary goal is to enjoy playing,” coach Bill Price said. “That involves a lot of practice and games and being able to compete and improve our skills as we learn to play both individually and as a team.”
“The long range goal is to enable the players with their sporting goals, improving their physical literacy and providing strong players for high school soccer in the fall.”
As usual the team has to deal with indoor-only practices until the fields are in good enough conditions to go outdoor.
They’ve been practicing at the SSS gym since before Spring Break and with the weather starting to turn, they should be heading outside soon.
This year the total number of players on the team is uncertain, but they are expecting about 20. They will be made up of players from all over the Bulkey Valley, including Houston and Hazelton, though the majority will come from Smithers and Telkwa.
“At the moment, the key thing is making sure we have good practices and schedule lots of games so that we can get as many rep calibre players as possible committed and playing.”
Adding to the lure of the rep team, former professional Dan Imhof has been coming out to practices, helping the team get up to speed.
“I was really surprised at the first practice I came to,” Imhof said.
“I was impressed with their skill level. They practice well and they have good control, passing and touches.”
Imhof is planning on coming out to help out whenever he can.
“I had a lot of fun, it was good to get back into it,” he said.
The team’s first game is scheduled for May 4 on the SSS field against the Prince George U18s.