If you have been a part of the Eau Claire Soccer community for the past 15 years then maybe you have had the good fortune to participate in a really fun event; The Turkey Bowl 3v3 Soccer Tournament.
The event has been held at the EC Indoor Sports Center for the past 15 years. I think my kids have participated in at least 10-12 of these events. I know because I still have drawers full of the T-Shirts. I can’t seem to get rid of them, they keep showing up year after year when the boys are in need of a colorful shirt for some event, out pops a Turkey Bowl T-Shirt. Here is what I love about the tournament.
Minimal or No coaching. It is just kids playing soccer for the fun of the game. Occasionally, a team has a coach, but usually, the coach is just there to manage substitutions. At the older age groups, NO COACHES, which is perfect. Just play the game for the love of the game.
A Fun Family Event. Much of the soccer year is stressful. League play, tournaments, playoffs, win and advance or lose and go home. Players feel some stress, coaches feel some stress and parents really feel some stress. The Turkey Bowl is pretty stress free. A chance for kids to enjoy the game. They tend to experiment more, try some trick shots, fancy dribbles, crazy volley shots; things they would not normally do during their Club season or school season. It is fun to watch. There are always some great goals. Parents seem relaxed and just enjoy watching their kids play. I also love the opportunity for brothers and sisters to play together. I have two boys who played soccer, but never on the same team, they are 4 years apart in school. But…on Turkey Bowl Day, we have been able to have them on the same team. To be able to watch them play together was a real treat. I watched a few High School Games yesterday and had the chance to see the Jolley brothers on the same team. Really fun. Owen joined a team of younger players which included his brother Will. Very cool of Owen to join and really cool for mom and dad to watch them play together.
A Chance to Reconnect. Every year I attend, we end up reconnecting with friends and families we have not seen in a few years. Austin joined a team of players he played High School soccer with and it was great to reconnect with kids and families. Plus, what a treat to watch your kids play soccer again after 3-4 years away from High School. A blast from the past to see the group of boys back on the field. Plus, you end up reconnecting with the parents and other siblings you have not seen for years. I love all the older siblings back for the holidays spending the afternoon watching their little brothers or sisters playing soccer. We bumped into many of the parents who you just don’t connect with often. Soccer finding a way to bridge the gap and reconnect….how cool is that!
Good Soccer. Last but certainly not least, there is some good soccer being played as well. The Adult division featured some really high quality players. A bunch of college players, ex-college players, All Conference players and members of our local Men’s leagues participated. The High School boys featured a ton of quality players from Memorial and Chippewa Falls and I think one I recognized from Menomonie. 3 v 3 is fast and furious. The game moves quick and the scoring is early and often. I captured a few goals to give you a sense of the game play. Here are some highlights: A really good game between Chippewa Falls and Memorial. With 3 v 3 there are two primary options. A really solid 1 v 1 skill and shot or really good team play breaking down a defense and getting a 2 v 1 situation to score. Here is one of each.
Really good skill on display by Chippewa Falls team. I think I see a nutmeg in there and then a powerful finish.
Really strong team play for Memorial and creating a simple 2 v 1 opportunity and finish.
In the Adult division, I have to share a couple of videos. First, Alex G. wanted no part of Cha Cha (local soccer legend in EC) as he knows if you get hit by a blast from Cha Cha it hurts. He artfully stays away on the first blast…nice leg flip. Also notice the skill on Cha Cha to slice it into the net. He hits that with the outside of his left foot.
Alex gets his revenge later. Man, these guys generate a lot of power. Most of the players in the older division had some bruises and scrapes. Still competitive even after all these years.
This last video I had to add. Probably the sweetest goal I saw all day. A combination of power, speed and crazy skill. A back heel, nutmeg goal from 10 yards. What! Nicely done! Sorry Adam….but it was a really nice goal.
Thanks EC Sports Center. A great weekend and fun event.