Cheer for New West Soccer as the girls’ team heads to provincials

Big smiles are on the faces of the New Westminster Soccer Club (NWSC) – and for very good reason. The team is heading to provincials, which is happening for the first time in a long time.

The team includes girls from NWSC and Burnaby Girls, with NWSC technical director Nico Marcina and NWSC club manager Teresa Browne overseeing the combining. Jen Martin is the coach, and she’s extremely happy with the work the girls have put in, along with the inspirational story they’ve written for themselves.

“This year we’ve really had a unique year. We’ve exceeded many people’s expectations, maybe even our own expectations of ourselves,” says Martin. She says this team moved into a new level of soccer this year, and have managed to handle many of the new challenges with grace.

“When you get to a U13 year, everything changes. We move to the big field, there’s different levels of competition we’re grouped in,” explains Martin, who says it’s their first time being exposed to a version of adult level soccer. Normally, provincials aren’t top of mind. “I think for the girls, [provincials] was sort of a lofty goal when we first saw that. It was dangled in front of us, and we kept getting closer and closer.”

Centre midfielder Yobu Oching said she didn’t know much about provincials at the start of the season. “[I heard] maybe only a little bit from my sisters, but it was a pretty new idea to me. Knowing that we are going into it is very exciting, and I think as a team, we’re very excited for it as well,” says Oching.

“I’m going to be completely honest: I had my doubts, but I’m so glad we made it. I’m so happy. It feels so good for someone to say we’re the best of the best, because we work so hard at practices, and at everything,” says Ally Sporer, who usually plays as a left defender.

While the tournament will be taking place in South Surrey – which is not a far trip – players like striker Aiyla Thompson are looking forward to strengthening team bonds. “I was hoping it’d be somewhere far, in Kamloops or something, where we could travel together like a team, but I’m just really excited to spend time with my teammates and have fun.”

For Oching, she’s looking forward to seeing how other teams play. “I’m really excited to see the different teams that we haven’t played against yet, and see how it varies [with] different clubs throughout the province,” she says.

“Soccer is so much fun. It’s the whole experience,” says Thompson, “I’ve played since I was four years old, and my whole family plays soccer. It’s just fun to have teammates, be on a team, and spend time together. It brings everyone together.”

What’s more, the girls believe people at any stage of their lives should play the beautiful game. “Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. It’s mainly about having fun and becoming better as you want,” says Oching.

Striker Kiara Penner agrees. “It really is fun, it’s not just for exercise. You get to meet some really nice and cool people.”

For Marcina, he’s underscoring the importance of what the group has accomplished. “I think this group will be our trailblazers. They’re going to be the ones that showcase to everybody that collaboration among clubs can happen.”

Browne says there are lessons to be learned from this group of girls, no matter your walk of life, and she’s always elated to see them give 110%. “There’s always a place to start, and a place to finish. Just go for it.”

Be sure to cheer on the girls and watch for updates on their progress at the tournament. You can do that through their Instagram, or through BC Soccer. 

NWSC will play its first game against the PCE Reign on Thursday, June 30. Kickoff is at 12:20 pm.