TROY, Ala. (TROJANVISION) – Students gathered on the band field for the start of the new season for the club soccer team this past week.
For many students, this is an opportunity to continue playing the sport they love.
“I like it. I come every Monday and Tuesday; it’s like an appointment with the team,” said Theo Rossetti, a junior. “We just come, we have some practices, we have some games, we go away sometimes. They’re just fun.”
For a former player who turned faculty advisor and coach of the team, club soccer does not just strengthen a student’s soccer skills. It also builds their social ones.
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“My first time, I didn’t know anyone, but it was the clubs and organizations that helped me get to know people,” said Mohamed Chakib Belkhodhja, the faculty advisor and coach. “Also, seeing different cultures is why we are also doing this here with our club.”
This semester has seen 23 new members join the club, and this year’s arrivals were a little different than normal.
“The only thing that is much more interesting is that a lot more of the American crowd has come in,” said Yagya Pokhrel, the president of the Troy soccer club. “We used only to have the international crowd here, but this year we are having more of the American crowd coming and playing with us.
“It’s much better this time, and it’s easier. When we have international students, most are here only for like a semester. Having American players around, they’re going to stay here for a longer period of time, and we can actually make a team and go play around.”
Practices are on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday nights from 7-9:30. Practices are open to everyone, regardless of gender, and signups being as easy as just showing up.
“It’s super easy; you don’t need to do anything,” Belkhodhja said. “You come here on the practice days; they just have to sign the waiver. We will explain everything: what our project is, what we’re going to be building and what we’re seeing in the future. Everyone is welcome.”
The club is trying to line up potential games with UAB, Alabama State and Auburn. To stay up to date with the Troy soccer club, follow it on Instagram.
