The Cochrane Springbank United BU16 tier 3 soccer team won the silver medal in the Anthem Communities Cup in Okotoks, Jan. 26-28.

United came out strong against Coaldale Thunder in their opening game late Friday night and quickly built a 2-0 lead.  With a solid second half, the boys greater skills and ability to take their chances powered them to a 5-1 win.

The team seemed sluggish in their second match of the following day against the Foothills Heat. They traded goals before finishing with a disappointing 3-3 tie.

The final pool game followed immediately afterward against MUSC Saints.  The boys were really up for this game, knowing that a win would take them into the gold medal game on Sunday.  Playing at a high tempo, United built a comfortable 3-0 lead by half-time, running out eventual winners 7-0.

Returning for the gold medal game on Sunday, the team had high hopes for a strong finish. Unfortunately, they were unable to continue their good form of the previous two days, losing 6-3 to the skilled and pacy Rangers Athletics.  Although disappointed at missing out on gold, the boys can look back on a hard-won silver medal.

Coach Kyle Havens says the skill and tactics developed during training are paying off.

"The tournament provided a great opportunity for the boys to have some fun away from home, and to work on the team spirit that holds them together in tough games," says Havens. "We were pleased to see them applying the skills and tactics that we have been working on in training, and seeing it pay off with a silver medal – well done, boys!"