LIHU’E — “It’s something for the kids to do on Sunday,” Kevin Devitt, commissioner for the Kaua’i Soccer Association (KSA) said. Devitt was watching no less than three ongoing SevenaSide soccer games from his vantage point upwind of the action
LIHU’E — “It’s something for the kids to do on Sunday,” Kevin Devitt, commissioner for the Kaua’i Soccer Association (KSA) said.
Devitt was watching no less than three ongoing SevenaSide soccer games from his vantage point upwind of the action at the North Vidinha soccer fields, his view taking in not only the soccer games, but glimpses of the ongoing Pop Warner football games taking place inside the stadium complex.
Michael Chamberlain scored four goals enroute to Motiv8 Black taking a 70 win over Motiv8 Red in one of the three games that was taking place.
The assertive midfielder lost little time establishing his dominance on the field as he deftly worked the ball with the help of his wings in the Boys Under 14 contest.
Left wing Kanoa Nartatez added a pair of goals in the Motiv8 Black victory, and Lowen Gonzales got the nod for the final score.
Devitt said the KSA season is now beginning to show its fruit as it will end just before Thanksgiving, allowing the teams the opportunity to travel and participate in the Mililani SevenaSide tournament.
“The level of play in KSA has gone up tenfold,” Devitt said. “When Kaua’i teams used to participate in the Mililani tournament, it was rare for them to advance to the semis. Today, we have teams that come home winners!”
Additionally, Devitt noted that the Kaua’i players who travelled to Europe over the summer did well, one team returning from the Gotham Tournament in third place, a major accomplishment considering that Gotham hosts one of the largest youth soccer tournaments internationally.
The Kaua’i players spent a week in California for practice before winging over to Iceland, Denmark, ferrying to Stockholm, and finishing in Gotham.
Players interested in joining a Kaua’i contingent for the soccer tour can contact Devitt at one of the Sunday games. He said that because of the amount of experience and knowledge players gain from the trip, he is looking to take another group over.
The major difference in SevenaSide soccer is that there is no offside, Devitt explained. Otherwise, it’s the same as ElevenaSide.
“Every one plays,” Devitt said. “There’s no place to hide. If you’re out there, you must play, and that makes it good.”
When action started Sunday afternoon, Devitt said KSA fielded about 2025 teams ranging from the Under 10 age group up through the Under 16/18 age, Devitt noting that there is an increase in the number of Under 10 and Under 12 players this season. But, the teams’ skill levels are higher, he said.
Devitt also credits the mandatory coaching, one of the requirements of the Hawai’i Youth Soccer Association (HYSA), as making a difference in the level of play out on the field.
KSA operates under the auspices of HYSA.
Devitt added that the Sunday afternoon games will alternate between the North Vidinha fields and the Wailua Houselots Park.
He added that there may be some Saturday afternoon games scheduled into the calendar as well.
