It’s a whole new ballgame for the Boothbay Region Elementary School soccer team this year, as the team has changed from an all-girl to a co-ed team. Boothbay didn’t have enough players to field a team for the Busline League’s girls division. But a combination of 20 boys and girls is more than enough to play in the co-ed division. 

This is seventh-grader Hannah Abello’s second year as a Wildcat. Even though she is playing in a different league, she doesn’t see a major difference in how the game is played with her boy teammates. “It’s different, but it’s still the same game. I’ve played on mixed teams in youth soccer so it’s not that big of a change,” Abello said. 

This is the first season in years that BRES boys have played soccer on a school team. For seventh grader Neal Baldwin, the co-ed team is a chance to play a game he enjoys. “The best part is kicking the ball,” he said. “It’s not as physical as football, and I like it better than lacrosse, too.”

A new league isn’t the only change for Wildcat soccer this season; the team has a new coach. BRES educational technician David Lassen is coaching his first school team this season. The Connecticut native played on competitive travel teams as a youth and in high school. He was a defender who as a coach is focusing his coaching on ball skills. He has coached in the local Y’s youth soccer program for the past couple years. He is pleased that so many youth players continued their participation onto the school team. 

“About a third of the team has played a lot, but the other two thirds are still learning you must drag your foot on a throw-in,” Lassen said. “We work on the basics, like moving the ball efficiently by keeping their heads up, and finding their teammates. If we can do that, then that’s a win for me.”

Lassen moved to the region in 2013. He owned an automotive repair shop before changing professions last year. His new job gives him an opportunity to continue his passion for soccer this fall as the Wildcat coach. So what does the new coach like best about coaching? “I love watching my players run around and playing like maniacs,” he said.

Boothbay Region plays a 12-game Busline League schedule.