Al Cowell Field has been recently upgraded at Hamiltons Veterans Park and will host the Patriot Games
What do you get when you combine Hamilton’s high school soccer teams, patriotism and the recently upgraded Cowell Soccer Field at Veterans Park?
You get Hamilton’s fall soccer ‘Patriot Games.’
Hamilton Mayor Kelly Yaede – herself a soccer player in both township recreational and travel teams – announced the exciting new high school soccer ‘double-header’ series that will involve the schools boys and girls soccer teams and will take place this fall in Veterans Park.
“Veterans Park is our largest and most utilized township park; and in addition to continuously investing in our recreation system, we have also been working with our high school athletic departments so that our student athletes can enjoy and better utilize our enhanced facilities,” explains Yaede.
Recently, Hamilton has invested in improving Veterans Park’s Cowell Soccer Field by installing a new fence around the field, new soccer nets and bleachers, and a new scoreboard and sound system.
Raising Funds for a Patriotic Cause
As part of the series of games, the high school teams will be wearing red, white and blue socks to show their patriotic spirit. Additionally, as part of the series, the teams will be selling tee-shirts as a fundraiser of which proceeds will benefit the Hamilton Township Patriotic Committee.
The Patriotic Committee uses these funds as part of their efforts to promote patriotism through the various veteran’s memorials displayed at the entrances to Veterans Park, such as the recently installed monument to the United States Coast Guard.
Coaches comments
Obviously, the area soccer coaches are thrilled with the event, feeling it can not only help their programs now, but in the future as well.
Nottingham girls soccer coach Christie “Fish” Fink
Christie “Fish” Fink, Nottingham girls: I definitely think that this could spark interest for kids in the town to come out for the teams. It is a beautiful field and we are looking forward to playing there.
Mike “Bullet Head” Braender, Nottingham boys: I think that when a younger soccer player comes to a high school game they see the size of the players the speed and skill that they have and it pushes them to strive to get there. I think it may increase the numbers but my hope would be it helps the youth players. in our community to play and stick with the sport and also to set goals to strive to be like some of the players they see perform on these fields.
Chris “C Mo” Morales, Hamilton West boys: I’m hoping it puts us on a stage that inspires a lot of young kids to get involved with the local teams. To see a match on a properly groomed field with stadium seating under the lights… it will be awe inspiring. There’s a certain energy that comes with playing at a nice facility like that.”
Mike “Stinger” Hastings, Steinert girls: Obviously upgrading the facilities will make kids want to play more.
Anthony Tessein, Steinert boys: I’m excited for the opportunity to showcase the talent of all three township high schools at one site, and under the lights.
Patriot Games
All games will be played at Cowell Field in Veterans Park (accessible via the Kuser Road Entrance to the park). Each evening will feature a “double-header” as both the schools’ girls and boys varsity soccer teams will play.
NOTE: All game dates and times are subject to change
Friday, September 15, 2017
Nottingham vs Steinert
First game begins at 5:15 PM, with second game starting a half hour following the completion of the first game
Thursday, October 12, 2017
Steinert vs Hamilton
First game begins at 5:15 PM, with second game starting a half hour following the completion of the first game
Monday, October 16, 2017
Nottingham vs Hamilton
First game begins at 5:15 PM, with second game starting a half hour following the completion of the first game
Rich Fisher contributed to this story
