LAC LA BICHE – On May 10, soccer players from across the Lakeland region will be in Lac La Biche to compete against each other and improve their skills on the pitch during the fourth annual Soccer Fest.
The free weekend event, which is hosted by Lac La Biche FC, takes place at the Bold Centre sports fields.
According to Glenda Bouvier, president of Lac La Biche FC, Soccer Fest is a full day of festival-style soccer for players in the U5 – U11 levels.
“We will also be running a U13 tournament on May 10. All games will be held at the Bold sports fields, similar to last year,” Bouvier said.
On the evening of May 9, Lac La Biche FC will be hosting an event called Soccer Streets. This kickoff to Soccer Fest offers a series of fun, street-style goodwill soccer games for U11-U18 players.
Soccer players who are at the Bold Centre on May 10 will once again be able to receive instruction from Claude Bolton, who is the coach of the women’s soccer team at Ambrose University and, according to Bouvier, has been an integral part of the event.
“He was the first-ever head coach at Portage College, and Lac La Biche FC holds a special place in his heart,” she said. “We are truly grateful to have his expertise and passion for the beautiful game supporting Lac La Biche FC.”
Sharing the field with Bolton will be Macky Singh, the current head coach of the Portage College Voyageurs men’s and women’s soccer squads. Singh will be getting help from Brian Cook, who serves as the assistant coach for the Voyageurs. In addition to his role at Portage College, Cook is also the current U7 soccer coach for Lac La Biche FC.
“Their expertise and passion will undoubtedly inspire and elevate our players’ skills and love for the game,” said Bouvier.
Lac La Biche FC also receives support and sponsorship from Canada Soccer and Lac La Biche County to host Soccer Fest.
The event fosters a sense of community and camaraderie among players from different areas, said Bouvier.
“Having the opportunity to host this popular event is great for the community. It brings in people that will eat out, shop and visit our community,” Bouvier said.
Each year, Soccer Fest draws many young soccer players from across the Lakeland region, including Grace Phillips. For Phillips, who plays on the Bonnyville U15 girls’ soccer team, the event is a good time to practice and play with friends, get in some exercise, and improve her game.
“Soccer fest is really fun because I got a lot of touches in and I got to learn a lot of new skills,” she said.
