If you happened to watch the opening ceremonies of the FIFA Women’s World Cup of Soccer prior to Canada’s opening matchup against China on June 6, you might have caught a glimpse of a couple of young St. Paul soccer players taking part in the fun.
Sadey Smyl and Tunmise Akindele, both members of the U10 girls’ soccer team were given an opportunity to escort members of Team Canada, Team China. Team New Zealand and Team Netherlands onto the field at Edmonton’s Commonwealth Stadium and remain on the field while national anthems were performed.
“It was an amazing for our girls to have been given that opportunity,” says St. Paul Soccer Association president Joy Tremblay. “It was a great experience for them.”
The girls were afforded the opportunity to watch Canada’s game with Team China. Canada came away with a 1-0 win.
Smyl and Akindele were two of the 22 girls (ages 8 to 10) from the Lakeland District Soccer Association to be selected for this opportunity. Other than St. Paul, the communities of Bonnyville Cold Lake, Lac La Biche, Wainright, Vermillion and Vegreville were represented, along with girls from other soccer districts.
The St. Paul soccer season is almost at an end. The Lakeland Cup for U16 and U18 players is taking place in Cold Lake on Friday and Saturday and the battle for the Lakeland Cup for U12 and U14 players will take place in St. Paul on June 26 and June 27.
