Another May Day Classic
WILTON - It was a day filled with beautiful weather, exciting contests and competitive soccer at the 13th Annual May Day Classic on Saturday.
Gavin Park played host to 80 teams with 14 divisions based on skill level, age and gender. The squads ranged from under-12 to 18-and-under and teams hailed from Massachusetts, Vermont and throughout New York.
Saratoga fielded 10 teams and the girl’s under-12 Blue United and under-17 Spitfires emerged victorious in their divisions. The Clifton Park boys also placed first in the under-16 and 18-and-under age groups.
Although there were many local teams, the May Day Classic attracted a handful of teams from outside the capital district.
Coach Brian Micheels participated in the tournament for a second consecutive year. He was so impressive by the facilities, competition and atmosphere that he returned his Plattsburgh team to Gavin Park this year.
"It’s just a great day of soccer," Micheels said. The kids get exposed to all the different age groups. It’s really just impressive to see this many high quality soccer fields in one location and it’s so well organized and it’s a lot of fun. There’s great food and things to do in between games, and all that stuff that makes for a great day."
One of the draws to the tournament is the assortment of food vendors available for players and families. Ice cream tents, lemonade stands and fried dough concessions provided refreshments throughout the day.
In addition to food, players could participate in speed kick contests, juggling competitions, as well as player and goalie shootouts. According to Saratoga-Wilton Youth Soccer Club President Ken Bishop, these events combined to form a festive atmosphere.
"All day it’s been kind of a carnival atmosphere. It’s a lot of fun," Bishop said. "We have a speed gun going on and the juggling station. We’ve also got the penalty kick and goalie competitions going on all day and you can’t do any better than the vendors we’ve got out there as well. I think if you walk up to anybody here, they’ll tell you that they’re having a great time."
The gorgeous weather was the cherry on top to the commencement of outdoor soccer season.
"It’s an awesome day for soccer," parent Bea Quinones said. "This tournament is nice because the kids get to play outdoors and they get to play together as a team, whereas indoors, it’s different."
This year marked Sarah Catricala’s fourth year at the tournament and she enjoys the community camaraderie aspect of the May Day Classic.
"It’s the kickoff of outdoor soccer season," Catricala said. "We’re all required to volunteer, so that brings the community together. It’s a great community experience. You get to see everybody you know, so that’s nice."
Although the vendors, contests and weather were appealing, the day really belonged to the kids and their love of soccer.
"It’s just been fun playing in this tournament," Saratoga Mustang Mike Burkett said. "Every time I get to come out here and play I enjoy myself."
By ALEX VENTRE
To view the original article from the Saratogian, please click here
