It鈥檚 that time of year again: when pumpkin spice is in everything, kids are in school again (thank goodness), and soccer leagues are starting up.

In the Comox Valley, that includes top-flight United teams, both men鈥檚 and women鈥檚, and lower tier women鈥檚 Shooters team.

The top-flight teams are both riding high after immensely successful seasons. The men played in their first finals match ever in the Jackson Cup, narrowly losing against a Vic West team that had gone undefeated all season and has ex-professionals in their lineup. The women lost their semifinal, in part due to being snowed out on the drive to Victoria but did well enough in their season to earn a promotion to Division 1 for this season.

Over the summer, both teams were eager to bolster their ranks and push for even greater success this coming season. The men held open tryouts and added fresh new faces as well as some experience in local legend Alex Woolston. The women held three evaluation sessions. Evaluators had their work cut out for them as nearly 50 players from around the island showed up to join this burgeoning team. They picked up some new young players and promoted players from the Shooters team: speedy forward Lyndsey Nabata, intelligent winger Kate Casselman, and power center Kareen Sanderson.

The season kicks off with away games for both teams. They each play their first home games in a double-header at the Vanier Turf Saturday, Sept. 14. The women start things off at 4 p.m. against Nanaimo United and the men play next versus Cowichan Axis at 6 p.m. Come out and support your local teams at this free event.  

The lower tier Shooters team has re-filled their roster with talented players and are ready to compete. They start the season with a slew of away games before facing Port Alberni Athletics at the end of the month. Find their schedule at the site. The men鈥檚 schedule is on the VISL site and the other women鈥檚 team schedule is on the site.