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Richmond United girls eye one more medal before graduating

Many of the 2004-born U18 team have been together since they were nine-years-old
Richmond United U18
The graduating Richmond United U18 soccer team

A group of girls at Richmond United – many who’ve played together since they were nine-years-old – have one more soccer tournament left in their locker.

The 2004 (U18) girls have racked up many accolades over the years, including three Metro League championships, two Metro runners-up, two Coastal Cups, one Coastal Cup runner-up and two provincial bronze medals.

At the end of the month, the girls will once again compete at the provincials, where they hope to win the one medal that has, thus far, eluded them.

“As the coach of this tremendous group of talented young ladies, I am honoured to have had a front row to watch them grow on and off the field,” said their coach, Mandhir Punia.

Relationships formed

“The relationships and memories that have been formed will last a lifetime. While all the success in the field is something I cherish, what I am most pleased about is that every player on this team is moving on to a post-secondary school to continue their education and pursue their dreams.”

Punia added that he is “confident that playing soccer, in a small way, contributed to their overall growth and development.

“The lessons they learned (teamwork, commitment and time management) has helped them become the successful individuals that they are.”