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It makes me feel old, trust me, says Kristin Ryan, whose father Jim started the Westport Invitational Soccer Tournament 30 years ago. Kristin, who virtually grew up on the field, directs the Westport White under-11 and under-18 girls teams in Saturdays competition. I was only two when it started. I remember making the signs for the tournament.
Ryan shone as a young soccer player. She earned All-American honors at Staples High School, won a national championship with a premier team and started for four years at William & Mary where, when she was a sophomore, her team reached the Elite Eight. Those accomplishments are part of her legacy, but having the Ryan name attached to the Westport Tournament is far more permanent.
Its fun to know that the family is still involved in some way, Kristin says. Even her niece, Ashley Constantino, will take the field for the Westport Blue under-10 team Saturday. There are 106 teams entered in this years tournament. The girls play on Saturday and the boys on Sunday, with both indoor and outdoor games scheduled. Back when Ryan played, only girls participated. Shes astonished at the events growth and development.
After the tournament was over wed make these tape balls from the indoor fields and throw them at our friends, says Kristin, who has an entirely different perspective as a coach: Now I know how much time goes into it. Shes especially appreciative of the volunteers coordination and preparation in producing the tournament. So is her father. He says its so professional now, Kristin says. Hes happy its still going on.
For more information on the tournament, log on to http://www.westportsoccer.org/
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