Letter | The evolution of Myrtle Beach area soccer has been impressive
This past week and weekend was a marvelous first time for soccer in our Horry County high schools, soccer for Horry County, and on the Grand Strand. The lower state high school boys’ soccer championship was played between two local powerhouses, Myrtle Beach and St. James; St. James won 5-1.
The lower state championship being held locally heralds high school soccer having come a long way, for boys and girls, in Horry County. We know this march will continue.
On May 16, St. James played A.C. Flora High School in Columbia for the 3A boy’s state championship - and what a game it was. St. James played their hearts out in the first half, leading 1-0. The second half St. James was outscored but not outplayed.
St. James won the first half; A.C. Flora won the second half and the game, 5-1.
Today and forever, St. James and Myrtle Beach soccer players have no reason to hang their heads. St. James and Myrtle Beach left all they had to give on the field. Next year they should and will do better.
Both teams need to kick up their performance and endurance several notches in preparation for next year’s challenge. Still, a congratulations are in order for myrtle Beach and lower state winner St. James High School.
Twenty years ago, club and Grand Strand soccer ball were unknown and struggling. There were few quality players but a strong commitment by parents. Then the YMCA of Myrtle Beach stepped up and their tournaments started bringing players to Myrtle Beach from far and wide. Today, hundreds of soccer team tournaments are common throughout the year in Horry County. Teams from the Southeast, East Coast and Canadian recreation and club teams travel to the Grand Strand and play high quality soccer.
We, parents and friends of soccer, need to encourage and support Grand Strand soccer on all levels, high school, club and recreation. I know you have seen 3-, 4-, 5-year-old kids kicking their first soccer ball in a game, a feat of wonder in a parent’s eyes.
Young children may not have developed the eye-hand coordination to catch or hit a ball at such an early age, but somehow they know how to kick it. It is absolutely outstanding and thrilling for parents and grandparents to see the joy of accomplishment on a child’s face when they kick that first soccer ball down the field and, eventually, into the goal.
It is a happy world when our children can run and play in safety without fear of intimidation or criticism. Accomplishment brings happiness to small minds; kicking that soccer ball helps develop coordination.
A child that has balance and feels secure in running, knowing where to place their feet, can play any sport they want, especially when they have our support and encouragement.
The writer lives in Myrtle Beach.
This story was originally published May 20, 2015 at 9:37 AM with the headline "Letter | The evolution of Myrtle Beach area soccer has been impressive."