Bolton Wanderers close out recreational season
By Wally Mikulski

Team Sweden joined all other BWSC squads in closing weekend matches at Edelweiss. The U6 boys' team wrapped things up with a 5-0 win over Switzerland, led by Luca Pellegrino with 2 goals. MVPs in the finale were goalies Liam Bavington and Brendan Carlile.

The Bolton Wanderers Soccer Club's recreational league season drew to a close this past weekend with plenty of action and smiles from players and parents alike.

For some, this past season was their first soccer experience; while for others a standard part of their summer. With it came watermelon at half-time, the shrill of the referee's whistle, some tips from a mentor coach, encouraging shouts from the sidelines, a few beads of perspiration on the brow (maybe a lot), some bumps and bruises, quick passes up the wing, super saves, and of course the endless thrill of scoring goals!

It was a season filled with promise, development, and fun. Indeed a celebration of sport, friends, and family! Just ask the youngster with the hot dog who's still dribbling a ball toward the parking lot while mom tries to wipe the ketchup from his chin and dad admires the team photo and trophy.

The Bolton Wanderers had well over 3,100 outdoor registrations this past season - an 8% increase over 2006. In simple terms, 1 in 10 individuals from the Bolton community proudly suited up in a Wanderers' uniform.

There are also the unsung heroes of the club - those without a uniform - the team of volunteers who help make the season memorable. And, there are never enough of them to go around. So, for those who volunteer - particularly to coach (for without you there'd be no teams), and for those who tend to the snack-bar, or simply ensure that our facility at Edelweiss park is the envy of visiting clubs and officials - a sincere heartfelt thank you. We look forward to having you all back next season.

Finally, a huge tip of the hat goes to the variety of sponsors who keep our teams well outfitted - from the under 4 age group right up to the adults. Your sponsorship, pride in community, and commitment to keeping our youth fit and enjoying the "beautiful game" is paramount to the club's success. The Wanderers' look forward to partnering with you once again in 2008.

Please check the Bolton Wanderers Web site at http://www.bwsc.ca for "Season's Over" Dinner Dance ticket Information. Seating is limited. Do you have your tickets yet?

The club officially opens its indoor recreational season Oct. 13 at the Central West Facility located on the Brampton fairgrounds. The indoor house league will allow players ages four to twelve to play soccer year round. Registration information can be found on the Wanderers' Web site: http://www.bwsc.ca.

Along with the indoor league, the Wanderers are providing an opportunity to improve skills through the Academy of Player Development. Under the direction of Wanderers' club head coach Billy McKenna, the academy is bringing together top coaches with a minimum "B" license certification from various levels of play including provincial and national to help train and raise player skill levels. In furthering the goal of player development, the Wanderers will also be running a Goalkeepers Academy with former national netminder and Bolton native, Don Ferguson. Clinic sessions for goalkeepers 6 to 16 years of age will be on Saturday mornings at Central West. Once again, please refer to the Wanderers' Web site for details.

Select/rep team open tryouts take place the weekend of Sept. 29 rain or shine. Again, details via the Web site or by contacting Billy McKenna, through the club office.