Kickers getting ready to kick-off new season - Carman Valley Leader

Kickers getting ready to kick-off new season


By Gene Still
Friday April 28, 2006

Carman Valley Leader — The Carman Kickers are looking to build upon 2005's success when the franchise qualified for the post season after coming up just short of a playoff berth the previous three years.
And there was another first earlier this year when as the Fourth Division soccer club started their 2006 preparations with indoor practice sessions at the Dufferin Christian School gymnasium in Carman. But with the recent arrival of spring the team is now back in more familiar surroundings of having outdoor training camp practices.
Coach William Hoogerdijk said they've got 16 players who are trying out for this year's squad which is down slightly from the 23 that they had vying for roster spots last season.
"This year it's been more or less the veterans that we've had coming out, which is a good thing because you know what to expect from them and they know what it takes to play in the league," Hoogerdijk said. "But I'd like to get some new blood as well to challenge the guys and bring in more depth and talent.
"You get a fresh new perspective and it adds a new life to the team."
Despite a slight decline in the number of players trying out so far, Hoogerdijk noted that it's not unusual to add a few more bodies at this time of the pre-season.
The coach added they're planning on having two practices a week and he expects to start making some cuts by the first week in May.
Hoogerdijk said they're also considering organizing one or two exhibition games but for the time being the plan is to focus on spring practice and on developing on-field tactics and strategies.
For information on trying out with the Carman Kickers, call William Hoogerdijk at 745-6973.