The sun was shining down on a myriad of the smiling faces of Grand Terrace residents this past Saturday, Aug. 8, as the community gathered for the Opening Ceremonies of the Grand Terrace Community Soccer Club (GTCSC). The day kicked off at 10 a.m. Grand Terrace's Richard Rollins Park as local vendors surrounded the grass areas. Brief introductions started as the young anxious soccer players gathered around the speakers for the day. After a collective prayer among community members took place, the GTCSC President John Echevarria and Vice President Tommy Rivero proceeded to pump up the soccer players for their upcoming games that day as Richard Irwin introduced each team individually. They even made a contest out of it; the team that screams the loudest when their name is called gets a prize at the end of the day. After many screams, hollers, cheers, and sweat being shed; the Dragons of the U8 Division took home the gold. Before kicking the first soccer ball of the day with the first official game of the season, there was a very special appearance from Grand Terrace's own "Minnie Cheer" Squad with their instructor Jacqueline Bulger leading them in the front. Their up-beat routine and smiling faces helped prepare the players for their upcoming games that started immediately after the performance. Attendees also had the opportunity to visit many of the local vendors' booths for some cold beverages and snacks. To help prepare for their games, there was also an "LA Galaxy" blown-up goal that attracted many of the players. "I'm very excited for this season to start and I want to give extra special thanks to all of the coaches that stepped up to help coach the kids this year," GTCSC Board Member Renae Walker shared. The GTCSC has been committed to promote sportsmanship and increase opportunites for kids of all ages to play the sport of soccer for many years.

GT Soccer Kicks One out of the Park in Opening Ceremonies