Members of the West Prince Under 16 Girls Premier Soccer Team have been hard at work recently raising funds to travel to Vaughan, Ont., to participate in the Canadian Soccer Association’s National Club Championships, Oct. 6-11.  

After a very successful regular season, the team began their playoff chase with a 3-1 victory over Winsloe. Emily Malone found the back of the net twice while Jamie Myers rounded out the scoring. Fran MacWilliam was the winning goalkeeper. 

The team faced a big challenge in the gold medal game against previously undefeated Eliot River.  

Midway through the second half Jody Gerus got behind the Eliot River defenders and was brought down in the box. That led to a penalty shot struck by goalkeeper Fran MacWilliam.

She found the back of the net to give her team the lead. With the sidelines packed with spectators, the West Prince side battled for the remaining 25 minutes and came away with a well-deserved victory. 

But the team didn’t have much time to enjoy its impressive result.

Team members are involved in several fundraisers to raise approximately $25,000 needed to cover air travel, hotels, meals and other expenses related to their trip to Ontario. 

Players have contacted many of the businesses around their communities for support. 

A number of fundraising events have been set up to help the team reach its $25,000 target. 

On Thursday, Sept. 16 they are selling tickets on a cold plate meal for $10 with the meal being delivered or picked up at the Alberton Curling Club between 10 am and 12 noon.

Saturday, Sept. 18 raffle ticket sales will be sold at the Tignish Co-op. A barbecue will be held as well, weather permitting. 

The team is also hosting  two prize bingos. The first will be on the Sept. 19 at St. Anthony’s Legion in Bloomfield, while the second will be on Sept. 26 at the Tignish Legion. Both will take place at 2 pm, with both featuring prize bingos, with a 50/50 round and a ‘Winner Take All’ round. Admission is $10. A fudge sale will also be held and canteen services are available.