By Robb Fenton

For three local soccer stars, a recent trip to a national tournament could be the start of something big.
Jianna Marin, Shelby Gadwa and Kennedy Ulrich just returned from St. John’s, Newfoundland after participating in the Nutrilite All-Stars Soccer Nationals and are already looking forward to their next step in their soccer career.
Ulrich and Gadwa suited up for Team Saskatchewan in the under-16 division, while Marin played for the under-14 team.
“The opportunities to them now are pretty amazing. They have been scouted to tryout for their regional training centre and from there it depends on the timing and their opportunities that come down the road. As long as they continue to work hard and keep their passion for the game, there are lots of opportunities,” said Lorelee Marin, who manages Gadwa and Ulrich who play for the under-16 Rustlers FC team in Lloydminster.
For the girls, the event definitely gave them a chance to see the top competition in the country and what they have to do to reach the top.
“It was really cool. It opened my eyes to getting different opportunities because now I’ve been invited to RTC (Regional Training Centre). It was a neat experience being in a different place too, not being in Saskatchewan or Alberta,” Jianna said. “It was fun competing against different levels of competition there, against all the different teams.”
For Gadwa and Ulrich, who played on the same team, the feelings were similar as they soaked in every minute of their time in Newfoundland.
“The experience went well, it was a great opportunity to play with elite players from all the different provinces. I thought it was a lot of fun and hopefully I’ll get to do it more often,” Gadwa said.
“I had a lot of fun and definitely learned a lot. I enjoyed myself and was seen by a few scouts. It was just a good experience,” Ulrich added.
Jianna said the biggest thing she can take away from the event is knowing what level she has to be at to stay near the top in her sport and on her teams.
This tournament gave her a chance to see what she is up against when it comes to provincial and national teams as well.
“Just knowing what future competitions are going to be like and the kind of prep you have to do for it. You have to constantly be maintaining your soccer skills and fitness to be able to play at that level,” she said.
Gadwa, who was the goalkeeper for the under-16 team, said it was exciting to see some national scouts, as well as some of the who’s who of Soccer Canada in attendance.
“I felt positive. I noticed a couple Team Canada scouts out there and it was nice to have someone come out and appreciate what we do and take the time to come and watch us,” she explained.
While soccer was the reason for going, learning life lessons, as well as making new friends was something all the girls had the chance to be a part of.
“I bonded well with the girls, so I made a few new friends and playing with people from other provinces, know what my competition is and what level I should be at. I have goals I can set for myself,” Ulrich explained of what she is taking away from the experience.
All three girls are now preparing for the next step in their soccer careers, as they will participate in RTC, which is the regional training centre, where the top players in each area assemble for training and possible suiting up in the future for more provincial teams and down the road, Canada’s national team.
“I think it really provides some good mentorship and for the younger players coming up they can see these girls have worked really hard. They are still playing for Lloyd teams and are able to compete at this level for their province. It’s exciting,” Lorelee said of what hard work can do.
All three girls summed up their experience in one short phrase.
“It was great,” Jianna said as the other two athletes nodded their heads.