Photos: 1) Coach Bob Rigby with his great niece Melody. 2) Melody’s U15 select team (front, second from left)
By Chloe Kneer – Long-time Sudbury District soccer coach Bob Rigby talks about his recent visit to the UK and youth development in the sport.
One of the highlights of Coach Bob’s visit was having the opportunity to see his great niece play. Melody is part of the Haslingden Ladies and Girls U15 Storms, a tier A select team in Northwest England.
The team plays all over Lancashire, including the towns of Liverpool, Manchester, Preston, Blackburn and Burley. They are currently ranked second in their league.
Rigby noticed how competitive the teams are, and the pedigrees of the coaches involved in the program. Some have assisted or coached in the British Football Leagues.
There are approximately 30 U15 women’s teams, structured in 3 tiers, giving an indication of how popular women’s soccer is in the UK.
Melody and her friend Rosie have been teammates since age 6. Both are determined and hopeful to make a career in the soccer world. Their ambitions are to get Canadian and U.S. exposure in hopes of playing overseas during their college or university years.
Rigby says he would like to see some sort of student soccer exchange program with the countries participating in a month-long experience for players.
Both Melody and Rosie also-participate in mid-week private skills training to enhance their performances on the field.
Rigby attended one of the their Sunday home games at Valley Leadership Academy Field in Bacup, Lancashire. He described the game as a “nail biter” that ended in a 3-3 tie. He noted the well-rehearsed play and unique passing techniques.
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