Sooke Celtic FC is pumped and primed and locked and loaded for its return to Division 1 competition in Vancouver Island Soccer Association play.
The team earned the move up with a second-place finish in Division 2 league play last season, making it to the semi-finals in the Jackson Cup playoffs.
"Getting back to Division 1 play is something we've been working on for more than a decade," said Sooke Cetic assistant coach Pete McKay. "The entire team is pumped about the move up to the highest level in Vancouver Island Soccer Association play."
The team has added six new players this season, and all of them are capable of stepping in and improving the team, McKay noted.
"We're also getting Ketil Eckhardt back after a year of playing high-level professional soccer in Germany," McKay said. "He's played with us before, he knows the system, and should provide a boost."
One of the new players, Keegan Philllips, an 18-year-old striker, said he sees playing with Sooke Celtic as a great opportunity to improve his game.
"It's a great challenge and good experience at my age, and my teammates have been great," he said. "We have a strong team and we all want the same thing, and that's important to me. We're pushing ourselves to play better individually and as a team."
Another new player, midfielder Liam Trett, said the payers and coaches made him feel welcome at his first trial.
"I liked the way they talked," said the 22-year-old Victoria resident. "They sounded very competitive, which I liked."
Trett said he was also surprised by the support the team gets from its fans.
"It's great to play in front of such an energetic crowd," he said.
Sooke Celtic opens regular season play on the road Saturday, Sept. 7 against Powell River Villa.
"I don't think opening on the road will have a major impact, considering you play every team at home and away," McKay said "Powell River's a small community like Sooke and they have a good fan base."
Sooke Celtic's first home game is Friday, Sept. 13 at 7 p.m. when they welcome Gorge FC to Fred Milne Park, known to local fans affectionately as The Log.
"I think the fans will be above and beyond for the first Division 1 home game," McKay predicted. "We're known for having the most passionate fans on the Island, and they're going to be super-excited for this one."
