Our BRYC coaches took to the field on Saturday, December 15 to play the 2nd Annual Fall Coach's Challenge. They Boy's Coaches were CLEARLY annoyed at losing the Spring Coach's Challenge to the Girl's Coaches. This season, they came back with a vengence and won the Fall Challenge 5-0!

The game included a PK awarded to the Boy's Coaches for a handball foul in the box. Martin Quiroz took the kick and sent a well-placed shot into the far right side of the goal. Martin also scored the first goal for the Boy's Coaches. (I probably should have written down who else scored for the Boys... but I was trying really hard to ignore it.)

Even though the score sounds one-sided, the game was very well played on both sides. We were able to play 11 players, full-field (but we had very few subs). The coaches on BOTH sides played a great, enthusiastic game... and there was LOTS of family on the sidelines to cheer them on! (My favorite was group of kids shouting "GO DADDY!" every time he came their way... SO cute!)

Our own BRYC Equipment Director, Craig Willett, volunteered his time to officiate the game for us. He did a GREAT job (although he could have called more fouls for the Boy's Coaches and that would have been fine with me) (I was playing for the Girl's Coaches) (Perhaps that's why we lost?)

The Coach's Challenge was started two years ago as a way of saying "THANK YOU" to all of our club coaches and their families for all they give to the youth of our area. It also is a good way for our coaches to play, get to know each other, and share thoughts. After the game, we snacked on sandwiches from Ledo's and a big chocolate cake!

Every coach there was entered in a drawing for one of six $50 gift certificates donated by Dick's Sporting Goods. The winners were:  David Burns, Brian Godlove, Danny Mathapha, Tom Rezentes, Scott Saratt, and Craig Willett. Congratulations! And a big THANK YOU to Dick's Sporting Goods for their support of youth soccer!

The coaches enjoyed the game SO much that several asked if we could play a game once a month for the winter months... more information coming on that! If you weren't able to join us for the game, I hope that you are able to make it for another winter game (that hopefully I will get in the works).

A heart-felt THANK YOU to ALL our BRYC coaches and volunteers! We sincerely appreciate your dedication and committment to the program, and to youth sports.

The BRYC Executive Committee hopes that you all have a happy and safe holiday season, full of family and fun. We look forward to seeing you back on the pitch in the spring.