Use this search box to find articles that have run in our newspapers over the last several years.

Soccer challenge kicks off Oct. 21

By Courtney Llewellyn

Reminder Assistant Editor



WILBRAHAM For the past few years, the Knights of Columbus St. Cecilia Council have been hosting a basketball shoot out for local youth. This year, the group has decided to shift the focus from a basketball to a soccer ball.

Both boys and girls, ages 10 to 14, are being invited to participate in the 2007 Knights of Columbus Soccer Challenge. The penalty kicking competition takes place Oct. 21 from 1 - 3 p.m. at Wilbraham & Monson Academy Hugh Harrell Field on Mountain Road. The rain date is Oct. 28.

"We wanted to do something different," Edmond Etti, an organizer of the event, said. "The basketball tournament has lost some popularity over the past few years and more kids play soccer in this age group than any other."

This is the first year of the youth soccer challenge competition.

Every child who signs up to compete will receive a certificate for his or her participation. Four winners will be named at the end of the challenge a boy and a girl from the 10 - 12 age bracket and another boy and girl from the 12 - 14 age bracket.

"The timing was right to have this competition," Etti said. "Most kids playing soccer will have games that day and can stop by either before or after their games to compete." A father of soccer players, Etti said one of his children will be participating in the penalty kick competition after a game at noon.

Etti said the goal of Knights of Columbus events like these is to increase community spirit and unity.

"If this is successful, we'll continue to do it," Etti stated. "We'll work out any wrinkles that arise from this year's challenge."

All participants are required to furnish a written parental consent before they are allowed to compete.

Competitor registration will take place before the event at Hugh Harrell Field.

For more details on the youth soccer challenge competition, visit the Knights of Columbus' Web site at www.kofc10195.org.