Evangeline Soccer Association holds opening ceremonies

The Evangeline Parish Soccer Association held its inaugural Opening Ceremonies on Saturday, August 26. Parents, grandparents, family, and friends by the hundreds turned out to see the 180 children take the pitch at the Ville Platte Recreational Complex.
The newly created league consists of 20 teams with children ranging from age five to age 12.
The emcee of the ceremonies was Evangeline Parish Clerk of Court Randy Deshotel. Other special guests included State Representative Bernard LeBas and Ville Platte City Councilman Mike Perron. Ashton Dupre and his band Last Call provided the musical accompaniment for the morning’s ceremonies.
“The children all lined up with their coaches and assistant coaches, and each team was introduced to the crowd during the ceremony,” said Board President Stephanie Ware. “All of the children played in games beginning at 8:00 a.m. that morning. They will play every Saturday through September and October, excluding the last Saturday in September. Closing ceremonies will take place after that celebrating what the children have learned and accomplished.”
“The Board would like to thank every single person who has supported its efforts and has shown patience through the minor hiccups any new organization experiences in the beginning,” added Ware. “Thank you to Ville Platte Mayor Jennifer Vidrine and the city council for contributing to the effort as well as the media, local businesses, volunteers, coaches, referees, parents, and most importantly the children and the newly named soccer players.”