Community News 

Chelsea Soccer Club’s U16 boys team played with heart and took home the coveted Cherry Capital Cup at last weekend’s tournament in Traverse City, Michigan. One of eight Chelsea Soccer Club teams competing in the tournament, the U16 team outscored Gaylord 3-2 in the final game. 

“At the beginning of the tournament, we started off a bit rocky, but Jake Hillis and Maddox Straub came in clutch to keep us in the running,” aid goalkeeper Tyler Ward, who serves as team captain alongside Henry Glendening and Christian Banos-Weatherholt. “We were tied in our bracket on Saturday, so we started Sunday knowing we had to play better as a team.” 

It was a true team effort that secured the win in the final game. Henry Glendening’s three assists and Christian Banos-Weatherholt’s hat trick were instrumental. The defenders, Victor Gutierrez De Pineres, Zach Levine, and Phoenix Kurylo, stepped up with game-changing challenges, and goalkeeper Tyler Ward made some crucial saves, holding Gaylord to just two points. 

 Coach Giorgi Nozadze led the team to the tournament win and is the head coach of Chelsea High School’s powerhouse varsity girls’ soccer team. 

“I witnessed so many fantastic moments at the tournament… a brilliant blend of fun and competitive play from all our teams, the camaraderie over team meals and activities, and an impressive display of skill and teamwork by our U16s,” said Matthew Clarke, Director of Coaching at Chelsea Soccer Club. “Our club truly has a place for everyone, and the sense of community and togetherness shown by all our teams throughout the tournament was remarkable.” 

With over 200 teams participating, including our Chelsea Soccer Club teams from late elementary age to high school, the tournament was a testament to the club’s inclusivity and community spirit. All K-12 boys and girls interested in soccer are invited to take part in placement day on Saturday, June 8. This is when teams are formed for the 2024/25 season. There’s no cost or commitment required to participate. Register now at ChelseaSoccerClub.org.