It’s all non-stop soccer action at Discovery Soccer Park Wanderers

More than 1 000 players of 125 different teams are competing in the annual Spring League Junior Tournament, keeping the soccer fields busy all weekend.

The tournament began on 21 October and runs until 18 November.

It has seen schools, clubs, academies and informal groups from all over Gauteng bring their best U6 to U17 teams to take part.

But despite the competitive nature of the tournament, its purpose is to allow youngsters to have fun.

“Most soccer players play leagues from 6-a-side to 11-a-side so the reason we are doing this is to give children a different format,” said Discovery Soccer Park CEO, Ryan Kalk.

“The games are 15 minutes to 20 minutes a half and the ball is continuously in play. It keeps children active and lets them have fun, which is what we want. They also play against teams they don’t normally play.”

Kalk said the first weekend saw three rounds of grading matches so teams could be grouped together according to skill level.

Then round robins were played in the groups.

Kalk added that because the emphasis was on enjoying the soccer, the final weekend of matches would see a continuation of the round robins.

There will be no finals, and therefore no winner. Every player will receive the same medal afterwards.

“This is our sixth year hosting the annual tournament and it is always growing. The quality of soccer has been good. It is good to see youngsters from all levels playing, whether friendly teams or academies.”

Kalk invited anyone interested in soccer to come and watch the last few weekends of soccer.

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