The Shady Rest senior men’s soccer club is looking for new members and has started their recruiting drive ahead of their annual Manly Cup game.
Since it’s inception, the Manly Cup has been a closely contested game between the Shady Rest Eagles FC and their counterparts, the Oak Bay Old Boys out of Victoria.
It’s been so close, in fact, that heading in to its 30th year, the two teams are separated by no more than four goals and the wins and losses are practically identical.
“It’s been a tightly contested game each year,” said Jim Cameron, organizer for the 60+ team. “We didn’t start keeping stats until 1992, but it’s been very close and balanced over the years.”
“It’s always fun to get together and there’s still five original members that are on the rosters from the very beginning.”
The Eagles have been around for nearly 40 years, having three teams all together.
The three groups (35+, 45+ and 60+) are looking for members to join and take the field with the Eagles FC, continuing the tradition that’s been around for years.
“New blood is always good,” said Rod Morrison, organizer for six-aside in Oceanside. “Having new players come in breathes life in to the club, especially the younger guys.”
“We have a good, solid core of guys that are there all the time but we’re constantly looking to rebuild.”
The Eagles FC play in the North Island league in a four team league and also take part in tournaments through the year as well. It’s a competitive league and the Eagles are always looking to field three teams through the year.
“That’s our goal,” Cameron said. “We’re always trying to field the three teams, which keeps everyone playing and everyone involved.”
“Again, with the recruiting, being able to bring people in and let everyone enjoy the game is what we’re all about.”
“We want people that sign up to come in and have fun. We like to get everyone involved in the game and just get out there and enjoy themselves.”
The Shady Rest FC practises Tuesday and Thursday evenings at Kwalikum Secondary School and anyone looking to get involved is encouraged to go out and see what it’s all about.
“We get great turnouts for practices,” Morrison said. “It’s more of a scrimmage, but we get good numbers for both evenings.”
“We’re always encouraging people to come out to practice, no matter how old or young, to get in a good run and get everyone going. It makes it that much more fun to have everyone involved, getting everyone out there on the field and having a good time together.”
“It gives you a chance to build that relationship with others that you could play with and it gives you a good chance to get to know everyone else involved in the club as well.”
For more information, visit the Shady Rest Eagles FC website at shadyresteaglesfc.com or you contact Jim Cameron at ajcameron@shaw.ca