Kicking off the summer with a promising start, the Soccer Association of Homer is seeing consistent development with increased game competition opportunities, participation and volunteer help. 

For the first time, traveling U-13 and U-15 Kenai teams have committed to traveling to Homer every other week starting this month. Homer will travel to Kenai on opposite weeks, creating weekly game experience for the U-13 and U-15 teams. U-13 players are under the age of 13; U-15 players are under the age of 15.

 “It is a really exciting move forward, and speaks to the growth of the organization, and the people involved that are trying hard to let other soccer folks know we are serious about playing soccer,” said Lisa Zatz, president of the Soccer Association of Homer.  

“We had a great year last year and we are anticipating an even better year this year,” she said. “Each year we are trying to add a new component that will help us towards our long term goal of extending the season a month on either end.”

Zatz applauded the individuals and volunteers involved with the program, saying her requests for help immediately get addressed. She specifically highlighted volunteer assistant coach Adam Diaz, who will coach the traveling teams along with summer recreation program coordinator and head coach, Jorge Davilá.  

Anchor Point recently merged under the umbrella organization of Homer Soccer Association as a satellite program and is facilitating soccer practices for the first time. Heidi Stokes is coaching the 3-8-year-olds and Kim Johnson is coaching the 9-12-year-olds.

The Soccer Association of Homer tallied a total of 186 participants during last year’s season, which, according to Zatz, was a big year. This year’s numbers already are just shy of 200, she said.

Homer started its co-ed age specific home league practices for 3-12-year-olds May 27. Throughout the summer different age groups will be split into sub-teams and will have the opportunity in a tournament-like style to verse other sub-teams. 

In preparation for the two Anchorage tournaments this summer, the co-ed U-13 and U-15 traveling team started optional practices early May.

It’s not too late to sign up for the home or traveling teams, according to Zatz.  

Registration is still open and can be found at homersoccer.com along with practice schedules, traveling tournament dates, information about Anchor Point soccer and more.