YOUTH SPORTS: Sandpoint Albion SC competes in international friendlies

PONDERAY — A pair of Sandpoint Albion SC teams took on a pair of Kootenay Storm SC teams, who hail from the Castlegar-Trail region of British Columbia, in four more festive preseason games before the official ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new Field of Dreams sports complex. 

The first two games were on held Friday, Aug. 16, with the second leg of the double headers happening Saturday morning before Kootenay's annual visit to Silverwood Theme Park.   

The bigger and more experienced Canadians outmuscled Albion Idaho's 2015/16 co-ed team, posting two dominant victories, 12-0 and 8-4. Albion Idaho's 2013/14 boys also played an older and stronger Canadian squad, falling 3-0 on Friday, with a much better showing Saturday morning, losing just 4-3.

"We love the challenge for our players of experiencing the physicality and speed of play by occasionally playing up to one or two years,” Albion’s pro trainer Evan McNeley said. “The Kootenay Storm are fierce competitors and demonstrate superb sportsmanship. Our programs value the relationship. These international matches are special.”

The Sandpoint Albion SC 2013/14 boys and 2010 teams will host the BVB International Academy (Coeur d'Alene) after the ribbon-cutting ceremony at 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. today, respectively. The ribbon-cutting at 6 p.m. will have appetizers and drinks provided by Sweet Lou's. If planning on attending, don't forget to bring a chair to cheer on the local athletes. Youth football and lacrosse teams will also be hosting some events after the ceremony.

    The Sandpoint Albion Idaho SC 2015/16 co-ed team (blue) and Kootenay Storm SC co-ed 2014/15 team (red), and their coaches, are all smiles after an international friendly at the new Field of Dreams sports complex in Ponderay.