High performance soccer players under the age of 20, many of whom are looking for somewhere to play and stay sharp while they await the college and university seasons, now have a place to play in Langley.
“We have a lot of young, very talented Langley players who really have nowhere to play at a really competitive level, other than at the adult level,” explained Ewen Dobbie, the club founder of the new Langley Athletic FC U20 soccer team.
“This is high performance soccer.”
On Sunday, at 5:30 p.m. at McLeod Park, Langley Athletic FC will kick off in their inaugural game, facing Thurston County Premier.
The U20 men’s soccer team is playing in the new Northwest Division of the United Soccer League.
There are 80 teams in divisions across North America.
Langley is grouped with a squad from Surrey, one from Victoria and five from Washington State.
The local squad is coached by Pat Rohla, the men’s head coach at Trinity Western University.
Forming this team gives a chance for the players to play at a competitive level while they are in their college or university off-season.
“That is one of the key reasons we are doing this,” Dobbie said, about allowing them a chance to play at a high level.
Dobbie has a strong soccer background, having played throughout his life, including collegiately at Simon Fraser University, before five knee surgeries prevented him from continuing.
He has also been involved with the Langley United Youth Soccer Association at various levels, including as a coach at the Metro level.
Dobbie envisions a great on-field product.
The team carries 26 players, but only 18 can dress on game days.
“It is going to be very competitive, so guys will be fighting for spots,” he said.
Support from the business community has also been strong, with Gold Key Langley Volkswagen on board as the team’s title sponsor, and Dowco Group of Companies — of which Dobbie is president — is the club sponsor.
The season runs until July with a nine-game schedule.
Attendance at games is free.