BY KAREN BOSSICK

A new local organization focused on enhancing girls’ youth soccer in the Wood River Valley has been organized.

Project 208 FC (Futbol Club), which is formally recognized as Albion SC Sun Valley, will be geared to female players of all ages, with enrollment open at https://system.gotsport.com/programs/76576636X?reg_role=player. The new club will cut the costs of being associated with a large national club, providing an affordable but also world-class experience with player scholarships available.

"When I was my daughter's age, I played soccer with the boys at Wood River Junior High School. There wasn't a team opportunity for girls," said soccer mom Andrea Gallegos. “Now my daughter is enjoying the current SV Albion 2010 girls’ team, and we are excited for the future of the girls exclusive Project 208 FC. It is fun to watch her thrive in the sport that we both love and to have these opportunities for young women.”

Kevin Hansmeyer, who serves as the executive director of Project 208 FC, is the director of soccer for The Sun Valley Community School’s Middle School, which involves girls who were born between 2005 and 2011. He notes that the new team gives these girls and others the chance to play with those who attend different schools in the Wood River Valley,

“Playing a sport is about connections. The connections we make on the field, as a team, and with ourselves,” says Kevin Hansmeyer. “My job is to help individual players navigate this process with the goal of developing a love for the game and themselves.” 

The new Project 208 FC offers private training, professional mental health coaching and fitness programs with the idea of developing the whole self. It will also offer players more local tournaments and playing opportunities.

To learn more, visit https://www.project208fc.org.