New this year, U9, U11, and U15 teams played three games each, competing for glory of finishing as the top team in their division. Teams accumulated points in each game, and the team with the most points at the end of three games won its division.

The younger athletes, U7 and U5, finished their two-game day with a face-off against their parents.

The change from having a championship game, as has been tradition for some years, was a decision made by coordinator Alina Holmes, who said with a points system, all the teams end up playing the same number of games and the day is kept from getting too long for some teams.

She said the system sees teams get points for wins, ties, and goals for a maximum of six points per game.

The RA also tried a new coaching system for its youngest players this year. Rather than bringing in parent volunteers, who were in short supply, it brought on local youth to lead the U5 and U7 teams. Holmes said this was a “really successful experience.”

“It’s a great volunteer experience for them [youth coaches], but it’s also great for the kids, they really look up to them,” she said.

Holmes said she will release a survey to hear feedback on some of the changes the program has seen this year.

The tournament also served as a barbecue fundraiser for the RA to support maintenance costs for the grounds and buildings and programming the RA offers, such as soccer, ball, and summer camp.

The money raised will be put back into the organization, which, unlike other municipalities, owns the RA grounds, said Jennifer Barr, member of the Shawville RA. Therefore, the RA is responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the grounds and buildings as well as the continuation of the programs they offer, such as soccer, ball, and summer camp.

“We try to make [the programs] very affordable to keep registration fees as low as we can to cover the cost of the programs,” Barr said.

The end of the soccer season means now it’s all eyes on the ball . . . Batters up!

Brooklyn Barr (left) and Grace MacKechnie (right) put in a shift at the barbecue run by the RA on Saturday. Photo: Emma McGrath

Mason O’Brien tries to control a high ball during his U9 match. Photo: Emma McGrath

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