anthony morgano
LIBERTY — After a successful first season last summer, the Town of Liberty Women's Soccer League is looking to expand in 2024. The season is rapidly approaching and registration for this summer has already begun.
Nine teams competed in the division last year, with the Sullivan Strikers winning the inaugural season championship.
The Sunday evening league will begin on May 18th and will be held weekly until August 11th. Once the regular season ends, the playoffs will follow on August 17th and 18th. The game will be held at Walnut Mountain in Liberty.
The registration period for the 2024 season ends April 24, and the cost per team for the season is $600.
Potential players interested in the league have several requirements. For example, to sign up for a team, you must be at least 17 years old and have graduated from high school. A team requires a minimum of 8 players, but a team size of 20 or more is recommended.
League organizer Paige Russell is very excited about next season. “Honestly, I love the competitiveness that everyone has. We're always so wrapped up in work and life, so it's so nice to have a space where you can play your favorite sport for an hour.” That’s the thing.”
The women's soccer league joins a growing number of adult recreational activities in the area, including women's softball leagues, co-ed softball leagues, and other sports that people can choose from throughout the summer.
Another player in the league, Julie Kaufman, said, “I didn't realize how much I missed team sports and female camaraderie until I got back in the league and played with teammates I hadn't played with in over 15 years.” he said. Not only was it great to reunite, but I also had the opportunity to make so many new friends while doing something I had forgotten how much I loved. As a mother of two young children, it was great to be able to forget about myself and have some “me” time with my girlfriend and watch her mom play soccer . That means how excited they are to play in their own soccer league. I'm really looking forward to playing again this season.”
The social aspect of going out and competing with friends is a big draw for many people.
“I met so many new people and rebuilt so many old friendships that I didn't even know what I was missing out on,” Alison Pabon said. “I loved seeing my husbands on the sidelines and the kids running around and cheering on the moms. My best experiences were months after the game, when I was at a Shop Rite or at a local restaurant, watching my teammates talk to me. That's when we met and felt an immediate bond. Those are my girls. They're my teammates. It's great to share.”
For those considering participating but still on the fence, “put your fears aside and just think about the game,” Pavon says.
Russell says, “If you're looking for a way to meet new people and enjoy the company of other women, you've come to the right place!”