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Soccer Players Enjoy Opening Day At T.L. Davis
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Players in the Under 6 boys division had their game faces on early, as the Earthquakes (dark blue jerseys) battled it out against the Sounders (light blue). There are no goalies at this age level, with the idea getting the players to work together and learn how to dribble, pass and shoot.Leader Photos By Marg Jackson

From Under 6 to Under 14, several dozen teams featuring some 650 young soccer players suited up for the Opening Day ceremonies and games at Oakdale’s T.L. Davis Sports Park on Saturday, Aug. 20.

The opening ceremonies began at 9 a.m., followed by an introduction of each team, their coach and sponsor, with the teams then running down the length of a soccer field as family, friends and spectators on both sides cheered them on as they ran.

Oakdale Youth Soccer League President Greg Hodge offered an overview, thanking the crowd for coming out to “celebrate our community and support our kids” while OYSL board member Cherilyn Bairos took the microphone to introduce all the teams.

There were also team and player pictures to be taken and games to be played, as squads kicked off the contests at 10 a.m. and continued competing throughout the day. Amid concerns of mosquitoes at the field off Warnerville Road, many players were sprayed down with repellent before taking on their opponents.

Here are some photos from the opening day festivities.