Top soccer players will be on display

The Daily Inter Lake

Some of the area's top high school talent will get a rare opportunity to perform for a host of college coaches Saturday afternoon at the first Flathead Soccer Camp College Showcase.

The event will run approximately two hours beginning at noon at the Flathead Soccer Camp Fields on Holt Stage Road.

Mike Stebbins organized the event in an effort to give area high school players some exposure to college programs.

"It's a very unique opportunity for the boys and girls to at least get looked at," said Stebbins. "It's something new. If it does work out, it might be something we do every year."

Stebbins has been an active promoter of the sport for a number of years. He has coached many levels of select soccer teams in the valley and conducts summer soccer camps.

He's also a soccer referee.

But this is his latest venture in getting more recognition for the sport.

In addition to players from Bigfork, Columbia Falls, Flathead, Polson and Whitefish, athletes will also be traveling from Butte, Hamilton, Livingston and Missoula.

"I did it mainly for the valley kids," said Stebbins.

"But it kinda got out by word of mouth."

Participants will consist of upper classmen although a few freshman and sophomores will be on hand.

Two fields will be set up for small-sided games - six-on-six and eight-on-eight. Coaches will be able to observe the players in action.

Coaches or representatives of six colleges will be present - Flathead Valley Community College, Carroll College, University of Great Falls, MSU-Billings, Johnson and Wales of Denver and Whitman College of Walla Walla, Wash.

"Mike Washington (coach of Whitman) will be happy to talk with parents and kids about the process involved (in getting college scholarships)," said Stebbins.

Washington also has ties with Walla Walla and Columbia Basin community colleges.

"We've had good support from area high school coaches," said Stebbins. "That's the critical part. I have to rely on them to get the information out."

For more information, call Stebbins at 756-6282 (evenings).