He feels that there is little to do in the town in terms of recreation, especially for young adults during the summer months, and a permanent inclusion of soccer during this time would be a valued means of physical activity and entertainment.
"When I was younger, summer sports like soccer and minor baseball were huge. There was always something to keep you occupied. Now that things have died down, I think it's important for people to become more involved, it's just a good thing for young people all around," he said.
Given that the Codroy Valley, Isle aux Morts and Burnt Islands all have minor soccer programs, there is no reason that one cannot be successful if initiated Port aux Basques, according to Gillam.
If funding were provided to establish a minor soccer program in the town, he said he would be more than willing to take responsibility to manage and organize an official league.
Currently, practices and games are arranged through text messaging, instant messaging and Facebook. Gillam, Tucker and Mauger round up regular players and people who they feel could be interested in playing who range in age from 15 to 25. Commitment is a crucial component of their informal group.
The group usually practice and play a game against each other on Mondays at the Port aux Basques field or head to the Codroy Valley on Wednesdays to face their team.
The Codroy Valley has an excellent soccer program and a superb pitch. Since the inception of the unofficial Port aux Basques program a very competitive rivalry has developed between both communities.
"Truthfully, the valley has always had the upper edge when playing, even when I was young," said Gillam. "But we're gradually closing the gap and I think if something was to be organized and the interest was furthered, there would be a very intense competition between both towns. We always shake hands at the end of every game so there's good sportsmanship too."
While the soccer pitch in Port aux Basques is mowed regularly, the entire left side of the field can be submerged in water frequently. It has a set of bleachers but they are in bad condition and are positioned behind an abundance of shrubbery.
Gillam feels that if the bleachers were more accessible and visually appealing, more people would watch the games and support could grow for the creation of an official association.
He also believes that although the community is largely inclined toward hockey, if given a chance, soccer could grow to be a summer pastime for residents.
"Soccer is a great way to keep active over the summer while preparing for the hockey season. Also, anyone who loves competitive sports will say there is nothing better than representing the community," he noted.
Even though many people in Port aux Basques do not understand the rules of soccer, Gillam believes this should not deter people from giving the game a try.
"A lot of our team had never played the game with the exception of a few of us. Everyone who had never played before picked up on the rules fairly quickly and now everyone loves it," he said.
student@gulfnews.ca
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