The 100 Mile House & District Soccer Association (OMHSA) is in its final stages of preparation, as it gets ready to host the U15 B Cup Provincial Championships, July 7-10.
Werner Heine, tournament referee co-ordinator and OMHSA public relations director, says pretty much everything is in place, as volunteers will be lining the fields and checking the equipment on the Canada Day long weekend.
Noting the competition starts on July 7, he says there will be a girls' and boys' game on the fields at the same time. There will be four games per day, starting at 9 and 11 a.m., and 1 and 3 p.m.
With eight boys' and eight girls' teams, including the two host 100 Mile squads, both the boys' and girls' groups will be split into two pools.
Each team will play four games in their pool and they are only allowed to play one game per day.
The teams with the best record in each pool will play off for the provincial championship on Sunday (July 10).
The No. 2 teams in the pools will play for third and fourth, with the top 3 playing for fifth and six, and the fourth-place pool teams will face off for seventh and eight positions.
Noting everyone is hoping for some decent weather during the tournament, Heine says they are lining the fields early in case there is some inclement weather.
However, rain won't be a problem as far as field conditions go, he says, adding there is a great drainage system and the games will go rain or shine.
"The only weather concern would be if we had lightning, and then we would suspend play for the safety of the players until it passes over."
On July 6, the volunteers will be setting up the tents and making sure all of the facilities are ready for the throngs of spectators.
He notes the Knights of Columbus will be doing the food concession - hotdogs, hamburgers, fries and breakfasts, while the OMHSA will be having its concession selling pop, water, chips, candy and other pre-packaged food.
The Knights are also bringing in two or three big tents that seat up to 100 people, Heine says, so folks can catch some shade or shelter and still comfortably watch the games.
There will be parking attendants, so people should obey them to ensure everyone gets a parking spot and can get in and out of the lot without any problems.
It doesn't cost anything to go watch the games, Heine says, adding people will be seeing the best soccer in the province for that age group.
"I would urge the public to come down and cheer on the local boys and girls, as this was a real opportunity for them to get into the provincials and play at the high level of competition."
The public is also invited to attend the opening ceremonies at the South Cariboo Rec. Centre on July 7 at 7 p.m.
"It's a real feather in the cap for the association and the community; hopefully, everyone will come out and support it."
