Indoor soccer tournament attracts many

SANDPOINT - Sandpoint's many die-hard soccer fans, both young and old, braved the elements for the two days following Christmas and gathered at the Bonner County Fairgrounds for the Strikers Indoor Christmas soccer tournament this weekend.

The annual tournament, organized by John Rinck, brought together all ages of local athletes, from the U10 levels to adult players. More than 110 soccer players were on hand, including a host of current and former college players, as well as many of the current Striker players.

There were eight teams in the youth tournament, including a U12 boys team from Coeur d'Alene, and Rinck hopes the event continues to spread regionally in the future. There were also six men's and women's teams, and Rinck was duly impressed by the level of soccer being played.

"The amount of soccer talent concentrated in such a small town in amazing," he said. "Not just the youth, but adults as well."

Chase Mikkelsen, a former state player of the year while at Sandpoint, played in the tournament as part of his training for an upcoming pro tryout. Mikkelsen, who was a defender at Fort Lewis College and also played for the Spokane Spiders, is a finalist to try out in January for the final spot on the Seattle Sounders, a brand new Major League Soccer franchise.

"I think there's a pretty good chance he'll make it," said Rinck of Mikkelsen's chances. "There are nine guys trying out for one spot."

The indoor tournament marked the official kick-off of the Strikers' winter indoor program, which supplements the Strikers and Recreation League programs by facilitating continued skills development during the off-season. This year's winter indoor program will focus on technical skill development.

The winter indoor program is open to all players who participate in Strikers or the Recreation League teams U8 and older. The indoor program curriculum is being designed by several club coaches in conjunction with the high school soccer program and training will be led by a combination of club and high school coaches.

All winter indoor sessions will be at the Bonner County fairgrounds on Wednesdays and Thursdays beginning Jan. 7 and concluding Feb. 26. Players may register by the month or by the season.

U10 boys, U10 girls, U11 boys, U11 girls and U12 girls train each Thursday from 4-5:30 p.m. The U12 boys, U13 girls, U13 boys and U14 girls train from 5:30-7 p.m. The U14 boys, U15-U17 girls and U15-U17 boys each train from 7-8 p.m., with open play from 8-10 p.m.

Schedules are subject to change. Schedule changes will be announced by e-mail and posted on the SSA website (www.sandpointsoccer.com).

For more information on the indoor program please call 208-263-9116 or e-mail soccer@sandpointsoccer.com.