Summer is officially here, and that means it was time to say goodbye to the spring portion of the New Glasgow Soccer Club season on Saturday morning.
The organization, which features non-competitive leagues in the under-six, under-eight and under-10 divisions, held its annual Timbit Jamboree at the Scott. W. Weeks Complex in Parkdale. More than 200 children participated in the 35-game, one-day extravaganza.
"It was a very successful year, and today was the end of a lot of hard work," said co-ordinator Ashley Rose. "This is like the end of the season party, a good way to wrap up the year.
"The highlight is always the smiles on kids' faces when they get their medals."
The tiny stars of the NGSC booted their way through a rather chilly morning in matches where score is only kept by the most astute of players on the field. Regardless of how many times a certain team found the back of the net, the score was considered tied, and games ended the way they should - with a cheer for the other team, and some high-fives for the opposition.
Some coaches tried to instil basic soccer concepts in their pupils, while others just kept the peace. The general trend - kids not yet 10 have no problem being goalie, just don't stick them on defence and expect an earnest effort.
Large boxes of Timbits proved that the event's title wasn't just a clever name, and a lunchtime barbecue helped competitors fuel their way towards those final matches of the season.
A final highlight came with the awarding of medals to every player. MVP's can wait until the rep years. At the Timbit level, it's all about participation.
The New Glasgow Soccer Club next gears up in the fall for the second portion of their season.
