Just a week after Ponoka hosted the world’s top cowboys, cowgirls and rodeo stock, the town welcomed many of the best young soccer players in Alberta.
With 18 teams competing in two divisions, including the Ponoka Fusion and Strikers teams — and plenty of fans out to watch the games in somewhat less-than-ideal conditions — the benefits to the community were enormous.
The U-18 Ponoka Fusion won the bronze medal, while the U-14 Strikers placed fourth.
Here, Fusion’s Maddison Pearman (right) challenges a Lac La Biche player for the ball.
While Ponoka led 2-0 at one point, they lost the game on penalty kicks.