For some, friendship keeps students signing up for Harleysville Football Club (HFC) every summer.
The recreational soccer league plays their home games at the Harleysville Community Center on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
According to junior Will Strauss, it’s the friendships that keep him coming back.
“I always look forward to it every year because it’s a chance to hang out with friends and be competitive,” Strauss said.
According to Coach Pete Afflerbach, seeing the kids be able to bond and play together on the field is part of the reason he has stuck around for 15 years.
Coach Janine Afflerbach agrees.
“I think it’s just being able to see all the kids play together, have fun and be competitive,” Afflerbach said, “and for everybody to play, regardless of their ability, just to have fun and learn from each other.”
Strauss, along with others, has been playing since eligible, around four years old. “I have been playing HFC Summer soccer since I was four,” junior Chase Snyder said. “I enjoy playing with and against my friends because it allows for some bragging rights.”
Players can rotate positions throughout the game, choosing where they want to play. “I like playing striker because I enjoy making plays and scoring goals,” junior Liam Harvey said.
According to senior Chris Morganheira, he enjoys playing goalie because he “[likes] the pressure of being the last line of defense.”
For Strauss, being all over the field is why he enjoys playing midfield.
Some players have some fun memories from playing that stand out to them. Snyder enjoys the end-of-year tournament.
“My favorite memory is soccer days growing up,” Snyder said. “That is when everyone really goes all out and gets competitive.”
Strauss, on the other hand, sees a specific play as his standout memory from his time playing. “My favorite moment was from this past season,” Strauss said, “when [junior] Connor [Rother] had his crazy handball and the ref didn’t acknowledge it and we kept playing.”
Some players like the competitiveness, while others enjoy how casual it is.
“My favorite part of summer soccer is having a casual kick around with a bunch of my friends,” Morganheira said.
According to Harvey, the HFC teams and coaches feel like family.
“Everyone lifts each other up, even in rough moments,” Harvey said.
For some, it seems to be a good way to hang out with their friends while staying active.
“I always find myself looking forward to it,” Harvey said. “It is a great way to stay connected with friends in the summer with nice chats and good competition.”
“My favorite part of summer soccer is seeing a lot of my friends that I usually don’t hang out with,” Strauss said.
According to Morganheira, they play whether it is raining or shining.
“My favorite memory is definitely playing in the rain because I originally thought it was going to get canceled but then we still had it and it was really fun,” Morganheira said.
