On Sunday November 6th, Woodland Soccer Club's two oldest girls teams and two oldest boys teams faced off in back-to-back games in a celebration of WSC’s oldest teams! On girls side, the Famous Soccer Players played the Swarmettes at Lower Woodland, followed by the Cougars going up against the Riptide on boys side.

Cougars vs Riptide, Photo courtesy of Julie Gregg

This rivalry day was put together to celebrate these teams, coaches and players - many of whom have been playing for Woodland since they were 5 and are now in their last couple of years of high school or graduating this year. Woodland hopes to make this an annual event as it was very well-received and supported by the teams. Parents and friends came with cowbells, juice boxes for the teens and "Football is Life" t-shirts, which every player received as a reminder of the wonderful role that soccer can play in our lives, both as kids and adults.

"Recreational soccer keeps so many of us together and has united so many people over the years. At our all-Woodland Day, we saw some exceptional play, great sportsmanship, and a wonderful community come together to support these young women and men, many of whom have played for Woodland since they were in U6. A lot of these players are going to go off to new adventures and new places before our next fall season, and while they have some games left, and a city tournament to conquer, it was a great opportunity to show them how proud we are to have had them wear the orange while growing up in our neighborhoods."

- Woodland Soccer Club

Playing together at Woodland Soccer Club since Kindergarten!

Recreational soccer has the unique ability to provide an experience unlike any other. It allows players to be active and spend time with their friends in an environment that is just the right mix of competitive without the pressure that can come with select and high school sports. It is fully focused on the joy of the game, teamwork and character building. And it works because these players have been coming back every fall for over TEN YEARS!

“I have played on the Woodland Soccer Club Cougars since I was in kindergarten. My dad coaches the team. Many of my teammates and I have gone to school together and played for the club since the beginning. I also play on a select team and a school team, but I love my rec team the most. It’s been fun to play with my friends and to really get to enjoy the game and not feel the stress that can come along with select & school soccer. My grandparents and aunt and uncle often come to the games and the families on the team have become really close. I’m definitely going to miss my rec soccer playing days and being coached by my Dad.”

- Connor Furuglyas, player

“Rec soccer has been an amazing experience for our family. My husband coaches our son’s team and I have been the team manager since the team was formed when our son was in kindergarten. He is now a senior. We’ve also enjoyed sitting on the Board of Directors of the Woodland Soccer Club for the last several years. I have been the treasurer, and my husband has been the SYSA board liaison. It’s been rewarding to not only enjoy watching our son play and grow up with his soccer friends, but also giving back to the club and the sport. We have formed lifelong friendships with many other families on our team and look forward to staying connected in the years to come. Rec soccer has given us a tremendous sense of community for which we are very grateful.”

- Julie Gregg, WSC Treasurer, Cougars Team Manager

{Photos: Cougars at All-Woodland Day}

When you grow up playing soccer every fall with the same group of kids, you can't help but bond and create a special community. And when you have supportive, caring coaches that prioritize having fun and growing together, it's even more impactful and meaningful.

Swarmettes coach Rebecca Wynkoop says that "We’ve always had 3 rules for Swarmettes soccer: play hard, run fast and have fun! I think we’re still doing that." Over ten years later (the team formed in 2011), talking to the players and those involved, it's easy to see that they ARE still doing that, still finding joy in the game and in the people that they share it with. Here are some words from some of the Swarmettes players and parents, about what this team and this community has meant to them over the years:

"I have been on the Swarmettes since kindergarten. We made a pact that we would stay a team through senior year of high school. We only have one year left after our 2022 season! I have made so many friendships and good memories playing on the Swarmettes. I am so grateful for our coaches, Rebecca and Justin, who have committed so much time and energy to our team. Without them, our team would not have made it to where we are! This team has kept me active and playing a sport every year. Playing soccer with this team has always been a highlight and something I can look forward to. I am going to miss playing with the Swarmettes so much and am savoring the last year we have together!"

- Grace Walker, player

"Playing on a rec team has been a really fun experience for me. I appreciate the relaxed environment that also contains a layer of competitive energy. I have grown up playing soccer with the Swarmettes and I feel like the Swarmettes are part of my family. Coach Rebecca and Coach Justin are amazing coaches, and I'm so lucky to be on their team".

- Anna Ammann, player

{Photos: Swarmettes through the years}

"I have been on the Swarmettes rec soccer team for around 11 years now. Being a part of a team that has grown up together and continues to play soccer together means a lot to me and I'm so glad that I've gotten to be a part of it. Even though I don't go to the same high school as a lot of my teammates, it is fun to connect with people from other schools and have soccer to bring us together."

- Sydney Marion, player

"SYSA has provided a fun, safe and competitive environment for my kids for many years. I appreciate the many parents that volunteer to make such a great association come together. Swarmettes is a SYSA team that my daughter has been a part of since elementary school. Coach Rebecca and Coach Justin have guided this team through many victories, some defeats, through many happy high fives and some tearful hugs. Not only have they coached this team on how to play soccer, they also coached this team to play with spirit, dignity and respect...on and off the field. I'm so grateful to have such wonderful role models for our kids!"

- Renee Berry, parent