More than 170 soccer players from ages 7 to 18 in the tricommunity finished a monthlong indoor soccer league Tuesday at the Columbus State University annex gym.
This is the first time CSU has hosted an indoor soccer league, said Dan Muns, assistant coach of the CSU womenAca,!a,,cs soccer team. Because the soccer fields in Columbus are closed for maintenance until Feb. 1, the indoor league was perfect for players who want to get a head start before soccer season begins in February.
Although indoor soccer isnAca,!a,,ct the same as outdoor soccer, it still helps players with the technical and tactical aspects of the sport, Muns said.
Aca,!A"The indoor game is on a smaller playing area and is much faster-paced,Aca,!A? he said. Aca,!A"You have less players, which means you have to work harder, and you have walls you can use to bounce the ball off.Aca,!A?
Players worked on first touch, ball striking, passing and receiving, defending and attacking and wall passes.
Muns said the league mixed beginners and advanced players on teams so they could learn from each other.
Aca,!A"I played goalie for the first time,Aca,!A? said Kayla Davis, a 9-year-old who has played soccer for three years. Aca,!A"When I started blocking those shots, I felt great. I felt powerful. I felt like no one could get the ball past me.Aca,!A?
Kendall Smith, 11, daughter of SPC Thomas and Deyka Smith, said she was using the league to build on the skills she already knows.
Aca,!A"I like this league because I can sharpen my skills before I start the soccer season,Aca,!A? she said. Aca,!A"I have improved my ball control and accuracy while I have been here.Aca,!A?
Muns said CSU plans to offer the indoor soccer league again in 2011.
Next up for CSU is a spring break soccer camp from April 5-9 for children ages 4-14.
For more information or to register, call 706-507-8055 or e-mail entlich_jason@colstate.edu.
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