CRAFTSBURY – The NEK Warriors Soccer Club (NEKWSC) was in action Sunday with a full schedule on Dustan Field.
photo by Paul Fixx
The rainy, but warm day began at noon with the U10 Boys match against Stowe, where the Warriors showed solid control of the ball and the game in an 8-2 win. Ty Billings was a standout in goal for the Warriors stopping many attacks by a good Stowe team.
The U10 Girls then took the field against Northfield. Standouts Winter Pelland and Ainsley Cadorette held a strong defense while Ruthie Podolin (2 goals) and Willa Nunery (1 goal) led the attack in a 5-3 loss to a very good Northfield team.
The U8 squad faced Orleans County FC (OCFC) in what was the first club soccer match for many young Warriors.
photo by Paul Fixx
The U12 Boys took on Mansfield United in the most thrilling match of the afternoon. Jasper Valcour-Greenia delivered the ball from the right wing on several attacks in the final minutes, but the team was unable to get the ball past an excellent Mansfield goalie for an equalizer in their 2-1 loss.
The U12 Girls matched up with Onion River, taking a 5-1 win to finish their season with a league record of 4-1-1. Last week they beat a very good Caledonia Flood team in a non-league match.
The day’s final match-up had the Warriors U14+ coed seniors facing their OCFC counterparts on. Mason Koteas was the youngest player on the field and still managed to dominate the middle and score twice. Amelia Rodriguez and Adrienne Robillard anchored a strong defensive line in the Warriors 5-1 win.
The NEK Warriors is a local and affordable soccer club that fills a geographic gap in other regional clubs and supports soccer development at all youth levels for all people. For almost fifteen years, NEK Warriors has adapted to the challenges of the area’s rural geography, climate and resources.
he club really exploded in the spring of 2026 with more than a 100 local children and young adults from the greater Hardwick area, said Jared Nunnery.
courtesy photo
The club is coordinated by Steve Fortmann of East Hardwick.
NEKWSC information notes “Soccer is a global game, learning to play opens infinite pathways to connect with others, wherever life may take you. The game requires sustained physical and mental effort, free from digital distraction. Building towards this standard, collectively and individually, carries tremendous benefits.”
“We focus on development, helping each player grow in a team environment while building community connections,” said Fotmann.
“We do not pursue any specific league or tournament titles. We train together and meet each competitive challenge together. Our common pursuit of excellence in soccer develops friendships, memories and good habits for physical and mental health that extend into adulthood.”
He said, “Players have three main expectations: Make the effort to get along with others. You don’t have to like everyone, but you must develop a positive attitude towards each of your teammates. This is the golden rule of Warriors Soccer.”
Second, he said, “Play a role in the development of the players around you. The more mature you are as a player, the more this is expected.”
And third, “Communicate. Find your voice in soccer on and off the field. This takes many forms: advocate for your personal development goals, support teammates and speak up when something is not right.”
Fortmann added, “Parents/guardians have basically one expectation: to create a supportive and positive environment. On match days, this extends to opposing players, families and game officials.”
And finally, “NEKWSC has zero tolerance for referee abuse.”
The Warriors final match will be the third annual PolyWhey Cup presented by Vermont Natural Coatings at 6 p.m. on the weekend of June 20 or 21 (tbd) at the Hazen Union School Varsity Field.
This year’s special match will highlight the deep soccer history and rivalry between Hardwick and Barre dating back to the 1880s, based on historical research done by Wiz Dow of the Hardwick Historical Society last winter on the subject.
NEKWSC is hosting three soccer camps this Summer that include a preseason prep half day camp with guest coaches from CF Valencia Spain August 3 to 7, 9 a.m. to noon jin Craftsbury. Players should be 10 or older and have soccer experience and control of the ball.
Challenger Camp for all ages/all abilities with coaches from UK and abroad August 10 to 14 in Craftsbury with full and half day options.
A Summer Skill and Conditioning program will be run by Coach Buffy Casto.
Find more on Facebook at facebook.com/NortheastKingdomWarriors.Players and families interested in soccer and/or the camps can contact [email protected].
Paul Fixx is editor of The Hardwick Gazette and lives in Hardwick.
