Ladysmith soccer star Eric Gueldenstern returned home a champion after his team, Vancouver Island Wave, trumped the Coastal FC 2 - 0 a the BC Soccer Premier League, (BCSPL), Provincial Cup Championships. This is the third consecutive championship for the U16 Vancouver Island Wave, and the second for Gueldenstern.
“It feels pretty good to know that you’re the best team in B.C.” Gueldenstern said. “There’s lots of skill on the team. We have a couple of people on team B.C., we’ve been to nationals, there’s lots of skill.”
Gueldenstern is the only mid-island player on the team. He has been playing since the age of four, and became serious about soccer when he was 12. Since then, Gueldenstern has competed in high-level competition.
When he’s not playing for BCSPL, he plays for the Ladysmith Secondary 49ers. He’ll be heading in to Grade 11 in September. LSS finished third on the Island for junior soccer. Guldenstern says the competition keeps his skills sharp and allows him the opportunity to play with his friends.
“I get to compete against most of my friends down in Victoria playing for their own schools,” he said. “We’re just laughing and having a good time. It’s relaxed and more about having fun.”
The BCSPL season ramps up again in the fall. For now, Guldenstern plans to enjoy his summer break by spending time with his friends, relaxing, and going to private training sessions to prepare for practice starting in August.