The Nugget Newspaper - News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

Several players from the Sisters High School soccer team have banded together and formed the Oregon Outlaws Football (Soccer) Club and will compete at the Laila Cup in Hamburg, Germany, July 24-28.

Two hundred teams from 20 different nations, including Sweden, Finland, Germany, Netherlands, and the United States will be in attendance and will come together to celebrate one the biggest youth international football (soccer) tournaments in Germany.

Teams ranging from U9 to U19 will play on the 11 different pitches at the Baufruende facility, and all are guaranteed at least six games. Teams will gather for the opening ceremonies on Monday evening, July 24, and Tuesday the competition begins.

The local Sisters squad is not affiliated with Sisters High School. They had to purchase their own uniforms and since all the players liked the color red it was easy to decide on red-and-white uniforms. Momentum Printing in Sisters has sponsored the team and donated the cost of all screen printing on their uniforms.

The possibility of going to an international tournament arose when the varsity team finished a very successful season and decided that they wanted to play more together. They thought it would be fun to go to Germany and play with Becca Clausen, a junior foreign exchange student from Hamburg, who played with the Lady Outlaws the entire season. Julie Holden (Coach Brian Holden’s wife) immediately started checking into tournaments in Germany, and after confirming players wanted to attend, it was a go.

At that point several parents stepped up to help organize and coordinate the trip. Kevin Schiller, who speaks fluent German, contacted the Laila Cup and started to gather information and make the initial plans and reservations. Julie (Holden) took over the job of communications and fundraising, Deb Riehle took over as treasurer, and Julie Patton stepped in wherever she was needed.

Sixteen players will be attending the international event, along with Coach Brian Holden and at least one parent of each player. The athletes are excited about the upcoming opportunity and shared their thoughts with The Nugget.

“It’s a huge opportunity,” said Lilly Sundstrom. “We’re very lucky to be able to go. We really are a family and are so close, on and off the field. This trip wouldn’t have been possible without Coach Brain and his devotion to the team. We’re also super-stoked to be able to play with Becca, our foreign exchange student from Germany, one more time. I’m excited to bond with our team even more, as well as connect with players on the other teams. It will be a great way to wrap up the season.”

Marley Holden said, “When my dad first started talking about going to Germany, I said, ‘Yeah right! — like sure we’re going to play soccer in Germany — that’s realistic, Dad!’ Through the whole process just talking it didn’t seem real. And now with school coming to an end, it’s finally getting real. I’m looking forward to the diversity we’ll see in the playing styles, the girls we’ll meet, and the other coaches. I think it will be something that we’ll be able to bring back home and be a stronger team next fall.”

She added, “I really want to thank my dad for building this team up and getting us to where we are, and creating this family that’s completely irreplaceable. And being completely unbiased, he’s the best coach I’ve ever had — even if he wasn’t my dad.”

Senior Josie Patton told The Nugget that to have the chance to play with her team one last time is an amazing opportunity.

“I’m so grateful for the chance to go,” said Patton. “I’m really excited to get to experience playing at a whole new level against teams from all around the world. It’s something not many people get to do.”

Izzy Schiller said, “It is a super-cool opportunity to experience how the game is played in other countries while also having some pre-season team bonding opportunities! This type of trip doesn’t happen every year, so being able to go is all-around super awesome!”

The cost per player is approximately $2,000 each, and to help offset the cost players will hold three different fundraisers.

On May 20, players plan to referee a three v. three soccer tournament through the Bend Timbers Football Club. The event will be held at Pine Nursery Park on the Timbers’ turf field.

The Oregon Outlaws will also host and coach a Sisters Park & Recreation District Youth Soccer Camp for grades 1-8, for both boys and girls, July 27-30 from 10 a.m. to noon. The cost is $60 per person entry, and a T-shirt will be included in the cost of the camp.

Their final fundraiser will be at the Outlaw Open held at Aspen Lakes on June 1. The golf tournament attracts many local golf enthusiasts. If you’re interested in donating an item or service to be auctioned or raffled off, or even sponsor the event or team, contact Julie Holden. Any of those proceeds would also benefit girls soccer and the Oregon Outlaws FC.

For more information or to donate to help players with the cost, email [email protected] or [email protected].