MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Another week of the Youth Soccer season came to an end here at the Penny Lake soccer fields Oct. 8 where the Hi-Lighters fell to the Terminators 3-0.
The Hi-Lighters have only lost one other game this season and tied two, which leaves them at the top of the standings and well in front of the rest of the pack but just behind the Unknown, who have one more game won.
For the most part, the purpose of the match-ups are not to win or lose but rather to go out and have a good time. However, for the 10-12 year old age division, it is more than that.
With most players having some experience in soccer, they tend to play a little bit more competitive than the younger age groups.
“Recreation soccer is difficult in the sense that you have several new players to the game,” said Christopher Anderson, coach of 13-15 year old division’s Arsenal.
New players can work in two different ways for coaches and players. They simply may not know all the basics of soccer, which forces the coaches to go back to the fundamentals, and
the result is the players grasp a better understanding of what is happening on the field.
Also, new players can bring uncertainty or the ability to be unpredictable to the game.
The players who have been playing for years know what type of plays are about to take place and can defend or attack the situation, but the new players often seem to throw a curve ball that often works in their favor.
The main part of the season is over with the exception of Tuesday’s games to be played. Next are the playoffs, scheduled to begin Thursday.
With the Unknown (7-3) in front of the Hi-Lighters (6-2-2) and the Terminators (5-3-2) just behind by a game, the season is still up for grabs.
For additional information on updates or standings, call the Marine Corps Community Services Youth Sports division at 253-5777.