Boo Fest 2009 Wows Many

175 youth soccer teams, U9 – U11, competed on October 24-25 at Sac United’s Boo Fest 2009. Boo Fest Director Teresa Liston-Crain estimated that more than 2,250 players and their families participated at 3 venues, James Mangan Park, Hiram Johnson High School, and Granite Regional Park. The event’s increasing popularity has made it the biggest of its kind in Northern California, drawing on the year-long efforts of the directors and their dedicated volunteers. Liston-Crain expressed special thanks to fellow tournament organizers, Kevin Dollison (Director of Tournaments), Mike Rosales (U14G, U10G, U9G and Academy), Letty Rosales (Registrar), Linda Cardenas (U9B), Amber Nesbit (U9B), Vickie Ramos (Alumni Co-Director), and Dan Airola (U10G).

Dollison, who believes that teams from the Sierra Nevada, Central Valley, Bay Area, and Sacramento Region come for the relaxed atmosphere and excellent competition, noted that “The volunteers make it work, especially with the way that turnout has grown in recent years.” Ramos, whose daughter Aubrey Mapes wore Sac United red and white for 9 seasons before taking her cleats and solid game to UC Santa Cruz’s women’s team, observed that “Boo Fest showcases player talent, but also the dedication of parent volunteers, making this a ‘Go To’ tournament.”

Tami Cholger (Alumni Co-Director), whose strong leadership brought renewed vigor and continuing excellence to the club’s staff, directors, and members, observed that “The Boo Fest’s Scarecrow Contest is the best I’ve ever seen!” Cholger’s daughter, Camile, also a 9-season Sac United veteran and member of the USF women’s team, remembered that “what hooked me on soccer was all the fun I had with my family and friends.” During her long tenure as President, Cholger added top-notch directors and staff, who developed and implemented a Dutch-Barcelona club-wide system of play, and laid the groundwork for the positive social environment currently enjoyed by the Sac United community.

Shawn Blakeman (Director of Coaching), who played professionally in Europe and the USA, attended his first Boo Fest as a U9G Sac United parent. Blakeman said, “Boo Fest has become the club’s signature event, meshing good soccer in a fun and festive environment.” Jason Drury (Assistant Director of Teams), a Sac United alumni and who also attended as a U10G parent, remembered serving as an Alien Goal Keeper at the first Scary Soccer School in 2004, “It’s soccer with a bunch of scary coaches!” Blakeman’s relentless recruiting and development of Sac United Alumni like Drury, Trey Stoddard (U9-U11 Program Director), David Rubio (Academy Director), and up and coming head coach Gina Ramirez (U11G), a commitment to build from within, ensures that one day the club will be like those we read about overseas.

Visiting directors and coaches also shared their love for Boo Fest. Art Temblador, Elk Grove’s Director of Coaching, shared that “All my kids are extremely excited because they are able to both play good soccer and have fun.” River Blough, a San Juan head coach, said “Boo Fest is a good reminder of how people should view the U10 game.” Sonoma County Alliance’s Director of Youth Education, Andrew Ziemer, feels that “The tournament is purely about the kids,” and that his own kids “are looking forward to all of the weekend festivities.” Ziemer added, “A special environment plus just the right amount of competition makes Boo Fest one of the few soccer events in which the adults let fun be foremost over the standings. After all, enjoyment of the beautiful game is all that matters in the big scheme of things.”

Special events included the team Scarecrow Contest and costume parade for all Boo Fest players and their younger siblings. Perennial favorite, Scary Soccer School, was in session, with costumed Boo Fest players and their younger siblings testing their individual ball skills under the supervision and direction of Sac United’s coaching staff.