Undefeated was the name of the game for four Granby Rovers teams in the fall soccer season. With participation in the Granby Rovers Soccer Club at an all-time high, teams found success in regular season league play and tournaments. The future Granby Bears also came out to cheer on the High School soccer teams and work the sidelines as ball boys and girls during the season.
Crowned co-winners of the league, the Rovers U9 Boys Red Team went undefeated in league games and ended the season with an overall record of 9-1-1. The U10 Boys Blue Team won all their games across two tournaments, conquering eight teams combined in the South Windsor Fall Classic in October and the Colchester Soccerfest Tournament in November. Topping the league with seven victories, the U10 Girls Team finished the season with no losses in league play. The U12 Girls Team made it to the finals at the Ocean Cup in Cape Cod Columbus Day weekend, winning the semifinal game in penalty kicks. Later in the year, they went on to capture the championship at the Colchester Soccerfest Tournament. They capped off the regular season with an undefeated record of 9-0-2.
“We’re always excited to be able to provide a competitive soccer experience for the kids of Granby and this fall was no different,” said Austin Busbey, president of Granby Rovers Soccer Club. “We proudly supported a combined 15 teams between the boys and girls (U9-U15), including for the first time ever, three U9 boys’ teams.”
The Rovers soccer community came out in the rain to rally behind the Granby high school teams on Oct. 22 during Rovers night. At the start of the boys’ and girls’ varsity games, Rovers players high-fived the players and each player received a raffle ticket for a chance to win prizes donated from local organizations and parents. Throughout the season, Granby Rovers players could also be found chasing down balls to keep the games moving as the ball boys and girls.
“It’s such a joy to see so many of our players supporting the high school teams, and getting a glimpse into what we hope is their future soccer experience,” Busbey said.
Behind the scenes, the Granby Rovers Soccer Club had 50 volunteers helping out as coaches, managers and board members. With their children in high school or heading off next fall, four board members are retiring from their year of service. Nicole Marks is stepping down as the vice president, Brian Harris is leaving his post as treasurer, Heather Hurczyn stayed on an extra season and is now finishing up as the coaching director, and Andrea Wiggins has closed out her registrar responsibilities so that she can focus on her new role as co-chair of the Granby High School Booster Club.
“We’re excited to have new members joining our board for the spring season, but would be remiss if we didn’t take the opportunity to thank our outgoing members,” Busbey said. “A big thank you to Andrea, Brian, Heather and Nicole, who have shown incredible dedication and have been such a positive influence on the club over the years.”
