WiNK

This past Saturday, my soccer club, Joe Palumbo Soccer Club, participated in the Afrim's Sports College Showcase Tournament in Albany, NY. We played three games and it was very different from tournaments in the past.

Before Covid, you were allowed to stay and watch the other games when it is not your time to play. This weekend we needed to leave the building when not playing and wait until our next time slot. In addition, each player was only allowed one spectator to watch. There were hand sanitizer dispensers throughout the building and the players, coaches, spectators, and refs were required to wear masks at all times. Being this was also an inside facility, we were mandated to wear masks on the field when we played. Playing with a mask on for three games is not easy!

The time between games was very strict as well. We only had fifteen minutes to warm up before kickoff. The spectators were also not allowed to enter the building until five minutes before the game.

Even though the game of soccer has changed drastically because of Covid, I was glad to get back on the field with my teammates. Luckily right now we are on the right track to having winter practices and a spring season along with tournaments. This was my first game back since November 2019 and I am very thankful for all my coaches who are making it a safe environment to play.