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Salmon Arm Jewels return from tropical training trip

Shuswap soccer players return from Hawaii after successful international outing
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SAS Jewels soccer players and coach Tricia Martin pictured together in Hawaii, with the Diamond Head volcano in the background. (Image contributed)

A group of Salmon Arm Secondary Jewels soccer players got some time on international turf during their recent team trip to Hawaii to train and compete on the island.

Made up of players from the junior and senior Jewels teams, the group embarked on the trip not only as a great opportunity to train and connect with other players, but as a bit of a reward for commitment to the team.

READ MORE: Soccer takes students raised in Salmon Arm to Kenya

“There was a core group of girls that were at every practice, who have shown a strong commitment, and I believe when people schedule their lives around their sport, it’s nice to have something like this as a reward,” says coach Tricia Martin. “And it’s a great team bonding moment, not just for these girls but for that whole female soccer community. It’s always good to have that sort of networking.”

The 13 players and Martin fundraised to cover the majority of the costs themselves, putting on some big fundraising drives over the past year to get themselves on the plane to Hawaii. While several parents were involved as well, Martin says the players took charge wherever they were able.

READ MORE: Woman punched on the sidelines of B.C. soccer game

“It was a bit of task, but it was about the girls taking leadership in these events, not the parents. The kids took the main leadership role which was a good experience in itself,” She says.

While on the island, the group of players had a few practice sessions, three games against Hawaiian teams and a few days to see the sights – which they took full advantage of.

“There was just so much laughter and so much fun, that was a great thing,” Martin says. “Here we are playing a game of soccer on this tropical island, with the Diamond Head in the background, just a block away from the ocean – that was pretty special.”

READ MORE: Family footy hits the field in Salmon Arm

Now back in Salmon Arm, the Jewels have their own home season to get ready for as competition in B.C.’s youth soccer leagues get under way.


 

@Jodi_Brak117
jodi.brak@saobserver.net

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SAS Jewels soccer players spell out the word ‘Aloha’ on the North Shore Beach in Hawaii, during their trip to train and play soccer with Hawaiian teams. (Tricia Martin photo)
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The SAS Jewels soccer team pose for a group photo with the Hawaiian team they practiced against, with the Diamond Head volcano in the background. (Tricia Martin photo)
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SAS Jewels soccer players and coach Tricia Martin pictured together in Hawaii, with the Diamond Head volcano in the background. (Image contributed)