Plains, TF approve high school soccer

After months of gathering information, the committee to report the pros and cons of starting a sanctioned soccer team between Plains and Thompson Falls Schools presented to the boards last week. Thompson Falls School Board approved having a soccer team next year, to a packed room of parents, students and other interested parties from Plains and Thompson Falls.

Those opposed to having soccer as a school sport were concerned with it interfering with the football fall schedule. The vote was 6-1 in favor of forming the fall 2024-2025 school year team, with board member Jake Helvey the only no vote. Those present at the Thompson Falls School Board meeting from Plains were committee members Ellen Childress, Polly Icenoggle and Nick Lawyer.

Eric Nygaard was in attendance to present the discussion of supporting the combined school team. "We have over $15K in the bank and $20K ready to go right now," he said. Nygaard and Lawyer are involved in the soccer co-op already in existence. Thompson Falls Athletic Director Jake Mickelson was also present to contribute information. "I was able to get an extension on the deadline for submitting the request to have a sanctioned soccer team next year," he said.

Committee leader and school board member Ellen Childress called an impromptu meeting last Thursday for Plains School Board to vote on the sanctioned team prior to their regular school board meeting on Monday. "I wanted to beat the deadline," she said. The Plains School Library had a turnout of over fifty people interested in the outcome. The Plains School Board voted for the soccer team. "It has been suggested by other schools to have one school be in charge of location and game schedules and bussing," Childress said. Typically the bigger school takes on that responsibility, according to Childress. Public opinion at the special meeting was about 50/50 on the idea, she said.

The soccer team will be a Class A Varsity Team for girls and boys. It will allow for scholarships and recognition as well as lettering and athletic opportunities, Nygaard said.