Sanford Girls U14 team celebrates win in the Pete Levassaur Fall Classic Championship. Photo: Michael Reitan
By Jordyn Martin, SHS student writer
As the annual Pete Levessaur Fall Classic celebrated its 40-year anniversary on this past Indigenous Peoples’ Weekend, the Sanford girls U14 (U means under) soccer team took home gold in the championship for the first time in at least 20 years.
130 teams, ranging from U9 to U14, come from all across Maine and New Hampshire to Sanford and Alfred to compete in the tournament. The U9 through U11 are considered “non-competitive” and play for fun, typically getting about four games each. The older groups, U12 through U14, play a minimum of three games, continuing on to compete in the playoffs as long as they qualify for eligibility, which is based on their performance in those initial three games. It is a completely grassroots volunteer-organized event that begins its planning in November for the following year’s games. “It truly is a team effort from our board,” said tournament director Michael Reitan.
The tournament first began as a fundraiser to support the Sanford Soccer Association as well as to keep improving Shaw Field. 40 years later, they now own 41 acres of land at the Shaw complex, have ten of the “finest” youth soccer fields in Maine, and continue to run an “excellent youth soccer program for the kids in the Sanford area,” as stated by the Fall Classic’s namesake and founder Pete Levessaur. Levasseur added that he’s very “excited and happy” to have this program: to see the kids play, the teenagers referee, and all the volunteers work hard to make this tournament what it is.
Two years in a row, the Sanford U14 girls team made it to finals without clinching the title. This year they finally won a championship, making their victory against Portsmouth City Soccer Club (PCSC) a much awaited feat.
“I have had the privilege to have coached some of these 18 girls since they were in kindergarten,” stated Sanford girls soccer coach Nicholas Ericson. “To see them win this championship on their home field, in their final game at Shaw Field, is something I will always remember.” He believes that winning on their third try made the experience even more meaningful for the team.
Multiple simultaneous games, large crowds, beautiful fall weather. Photo: Lisa Blanchette
Ericson continued on saying that no words could fully describe how proud he is of each and every one of his players. “They have learned so much from their victories, but just as much from their defeats. They kept fighting, supported one another, and never gave up,” he added.
Reitan explained that U14 is the oldest age group that is eligible to play in the Fall Classic, making this year the last that many of the girls will be participating in the tournament. “To end with gold is a real true testament to not only the resilience of their team, but their coaching staff as well,” he said, referring to coach Erickson and assistant coach Tracy Payer. “They have a phenomenal culture that they’ve built with these girls.”
Reitan claimed that the game was truly a “nail-biter”, with Sanford scoring the go-ahead goal within approximately 2 minutes and 30 seconds before the game ended. “There [were] tears in the crowd. It was like watching a movie.”
Ericson hopes that this championship “gives them confidence that stays with them for years to come,” whether that’s on the field, in the classroom, or in general life. “They have seen what they can accomplish through hard work, teamwork, and perseverance.”
One of the group leaders, Brian Samia, said the tournament “is healthy competition for the youth of our area.” He also highlighted how the Pete Levassaur Fall Classic brings thousands of people to Sanford for a “positive event that highlights our community. It’s a great way to showcase the town.”
“What makes this team truly special, though, is the family we have become over the years,” concluded Ericson. Through both victories and disappointments, “these players work hard, embrace coaching, and believe in one another. This championship belongs to all of them.”
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