Sisters Blaze kicks into action

The Sisters Blaze is looking few a few good players. The new competitive soccer team has been playing games short-handed and hopes to bring its roster to 16 players.

“The kids learn good quality skills and it keeps them busy all summer,” said team leader and Sisters resident Doug Early. He holds practice three mornings a week.

“There’s a lot of good talent in Sisters,” said Early.

He noted that for players to advance their skills, they need to play competitively.

Parents should expect some travel.

“We will be playing 14 games this fall, seven here and seven away,” said Early.

Kids’ average age is around 10. Their birthdays should be between August 1, 1993 and August 31, 1995.

Early is a long-time fan of soccer. He began playing in the first grade and continued through high school and college. After dislocating his shoulder, he took several years off and started playing indoor soccer, then began coaching. His love of the game is passed on to his two sons who both play.

Early started The Sisters Blaze through the Oregon Youth Soccer Association. He says that kids learn more than how to kick a soccer ball. They learn good teamwork and discipline:

“We’re doing more than soccer practice.”

Early likes to build teamwork by doing activities such as hiking Black Butte and having barbecues.

Interested parents should call Doug Early by July 27 at 385-4773.