Powell River Villa is preparing for the 2022/2023 Vancouver Island Soccer League (VISL) season, which will officially open for the team at home when they host Westcastle United at Timberlane Park on Saturday, September 10.
“I am really proud of the level of commitment from the players since we started practicing in late July,” said Tony Leach, Villa’s head coach. “The players are coming out to most practices, they’re working very hard, and they’re really committed to practicing phases of play, a new direction we’re taking in practice, so it will be great to see how that translates to our games this season.”
The core of the team has carried over from last season, with only a few players who have moved away or are working out of town unable to remain with Villa.
“Last year, we had a lot of new players and it took a little while to gel,” said Chris McDonough, Villa’s manager. “Because we have that familiarity with each other this year, I think the team will really benefit and we’ll be able to come out of the gate stronger than ever. We have the foundation of last year, including our very good second half of the season, to build on.”
Villa has added a few new players as well, including permitting members of the Powell River Youth Soccer Association’s U17 boys team, and veteran keeper Ross Fitzgibbon, who has played in the senior men’s league.
“We were sorry to lose Jacob Duyvestyn to the Olds College Broncos in Alberta, but we’re very happy to welcome Calem Lindstrom from Campbell River to Villa,” said Leach. “He has a similar playing style to Jacob, and we’re looking forward to what he can bring to the team. We’re also excited to welcome Jerek Long and Joel Harry back to Villa after a few years’ absence. They’re already making their presence felt on the defensive line.”
Villa will play an exhibition game against Comox Valley United at 3 pm on Labour Day Monday in Comox before returning to home to open the VISL season.
Season’s tickets will be available at the ticket booth at the opening game for $40. Individual game tickets are also available for $5.
“We opened last year against Westcastle United as well, and won 1-0,” said McDonough. “They are a good team, and we’re looking forward to an exciting match to open the season.”
Kickoff for the season opener will be at 1:30 pm. Villa will play at home the following weekend as well, facing Comox Valley United on Saturday, September 17.
“Powell River can look forward to watching a strong, skilled, and committed team at Timberlane this year, and it really gives the team a boost when there’s a big crowd out to support them,” said Leach. “Since most of our players are from Powell River, it gives a boost to the sport in the community, and we’re happy to be a part of that.”
