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Kelly Carrington Staff Writer Looking at the field today, the Hapnot Kweens soccer team could be in for a rebuilding year. But it's still too soon to know for sure, says coach Don Kirkham. With a few practices already under their belts, the Kweens are seeing only about 14 players on the field, whereas normally the team would have roughly 20 at this time of year. When it comes to high school sports, Kirkham says there are always a few grades where the girls don't participate. "This might just be that year," said the coach, adding this would affect not only the soccer team, but the other school teams as well. On the other hand, Kirkham says, girls could still be on holidays or not showing up for a number of other reasons. The Kweens will be heading to a tournament in Neepawa on Sept. 17 and another in Swan River the next weekend. Kirkham says by then he will know what kind of a team he is working with. Though he still has the same goal in mind. "The aim is still to win zones and go to provincials," he said. Knowing this is his final year as coach for the Kweens, Kirkham says that would be a great way to end things. But without looking too far to the end of the season, Kirkham says it's always the team's goal to get to zones and win provincials. The challenge that this team will face, if it remains younger, will be the lack of experience. 'Adapt' "The (players) have to adapt from recreational soccer to competitive soccer," Kirkham said. As well, the athletes have to pick up the pace as the speed of the game increases. "Once you get into zone level, it's difference," Kirkham said. Another challenge that comes with a younger team is the confidence factor. "Normally the first year the Grade 9 (players) would be the ones on the bench to see what h a p p e n s , " s a i d Kirkham. "It's rare you have a team with (the) potential (of) seven or eight Grade 9s." To date, that's just where the Kweens sit, with roughly half of the girls in Grade 9. The Kweens will have some familiar faces, however, as Delaney McIntyre will be back for her final year as a Kween after recently accepting an NCAA scholarship. As well, Mikayla Gawiak and Sarah Petalik will be returning alongside Caitlyn Ticzon. "We have a good nucleus of returning players," said Kirkham, whose concern then moves to the possibility of injuries. "Who takes (their) place?" he asked. "We'll recruit some players and get some strength and depth." While out on the field practicing, the girls' main focus will be on communication and "shape" on the field. Back to the basics It's back to the basics for the Kweens. "When you've got naturally gifted players, and even as a coach, you get complacent...and disconnect with the basics," said Kirkham. Working on doing the little things right, the coach says "that's what will take us through to winning the zones." Though it doesn't happen often, due to the size difference, the Kweens and junior Kings will match up for a game tomorrow night. Playing against the Grade 9 and 10 boys, Kirkham says the Kweens will need to work on keeping the shape on the field. "...I don't want them crowding the ball," he said. Other points of interest will be passing, communication and looking for strength in defense. "It's not good if we score five and they score six," said the coach. "In soccer, you need to keep a clean scoresheet and you don't want the other team to score." Kirkham says any good team has a solid defence. "I'm happy with the forward line and the midfield line, but the defence is looking like the weakest area," Kirkham says of this year's Kweens. He adds that though some of those playing defense are physically fit, they lack experience. With classes resuming at Hapnot Collegiate today, it's only a matter of time before Kirkham learns what sort of team he will be working with.
