Do-it-yourself soccer scores big with 100 Mile's ladies Brakers

No pressure, no problem.

It’s the golden rule which has enabled the ladies 100 Mile Brakers soccer team to build a solid organization.

It all started in 2001 with a group of women who got tired of watching from the sidelines as their children enjoyed the sport. They wanted a piece of the action and the healthful and social benefits that went along with it.

Leanne Heales was one of those ladies and she helped to recruit players and a coach who were interested in playing on a recreational and occasional competitive basis.

The rest is history.

The number of women who faithfully come out to weekly practice and wear the red Brakers jersey has grown to and held steady at about 16 players. They range in age between early twenties and over 50.

“We have a good core who have been here since 2001 but always get a mix of new, young and experienced older players coming and going,” said Heales. “We have lots of moms who are coaching kids’ teams and with their extra training, they bring ideas and good stuff to our team.”

Along with their cleats, the players have to bring a do-it-yourself attitude to the field. They practice and play without a coach and depend on the guidance of experienced players to help them along the learning curve.

It seems to work. Heales said their skill level is steadily on the rise and they surprised other teams at a fall tournament last season by winning all of their games with no coach and no subs.

The team fits a couple of away-tournaments into their season and regularly challenge local youth rep teams on home turf.

The Brakers practice each Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at the 100 Mile Elementary School field. Heales said they’re always looking for new players and a $2 drop-in fee is charged per session.

She said that ladies who are interested can call her at 791-6444 or just show up with cleats, shin pads and a good attitude at practice time.