Girls’ Soccer Team Will Be Honored

After capturing both state and national championships in a record-breaking season, the Valley United Stars girls’ soccer team will be honored Monday night at the Canoga Park Elks Lodge.

Los Angeles County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky and City Councilwoman Laura Chick will present the girls awards for athletic achievements and community involvement.

In addition to their winning ways on the soccer field, the girls, all 12 and younger, have participated in graffiti cleanup programs and other volunteer activities. In June, the 15-girl squad, whose all-star players were selected from other San Fernando Valley league teams, beat a team from Northern California to win the Far West Regional Championship in Casper, Wyo.

The national championship capped a season that saw the girls compile a remarkable 96-1 record while also winning the California State Cup Championship in their age group. “The girls really appreciated winning the championship because they have worked very, very hard for three years to make it happen,” said team manager Bill Hayden.

“They’re very talented and they take it very seriously. They’re tough little girls.”

Hayden said the girls, who all aspire to play for the U.S. national team someday, have been more than willing to make the sacrifices that success requires.

“They practice three to four days a week and they gave up Cokes and candy,” said Hayden. “And it’s not the parents making them do it. They are the ones pushing us.”

Although they are excited about being honored, Hayden said, the girls know they cannot rest on their laurels for long.

A new tournament begins Aug. 19 in Orange County.