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It’s an orange crush at youth soccer tournament

Organizers of this year’s second annual Whistler youth soccer tournament did not attract as many teams as they were hoping for, but that didn’t stop more than 80 children from competing in the rain.

Tournament organizers Ian Van Gruen and Boyd McTavish grouped the under 8 and under 9 children into four teams while the under 10 girls had a "great game" against one of the best teams from the Lower Mainland.

The West Vancouver Strikers made the trip up Highway 99 for a match against the Whistler U10 girls and while Whistler’s team lost, coaches and parents alike were surprised with their effort.

"They lost 4-2 but it was still a great match," said Van Gruen.

"Most of those players from West Van have played together for six years already."

In the U8 and U9 tournament the children played three games and Orange Crush emerged as the best team on the day.

Van Gruen said soccer was a huge sport for children in Whistler and there was room to expand the tournament for next year.

"There’s 36 children in the U10s, about 40 kids in the U8 and U9s but in the U7s we have 70 kids so it is huge participation," he said.

"Next year we’re actually going to try and formally invite some teams and I’m sure it’s going to grow."