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Keesler hosts Women's Soccer Championship

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Eric Summers
  • 81st Training Wing Public Affairs
KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  Heavy breathing and sprinting make the scene of this battlefield. As the women go back and forth, kicks flail and head-butts are heard off the field, soon followed by a shoot. Goal! 

This is one of many scenes occuring at the 5th Counseil Du International Sports Militaire Women's Soccer Championship tournament hosted by Keesler Air Force Base June 6-13. 

CISM sports tournaments are conducted worldwide with the soccer championship being the only event taking place in the U.S. this year. The U.S. is joined by teams from Brazil, Canada, Germany, France, The Netherlands and the Republic of South Korea competing for this year's championship. 

The annual sports event represents more than just athletic competition. It's also a chance for the teams to learn about each other and their cultures while encouraging bonds and friendships promoting CISM's motto, "Friendship though Sports." 

"Everything has been going very smooth thanks to Team Keesler," said Brian Mooers, Keesler's CISM coordinator "We had eight squadrons on base 'adopt' a team, which gives them a great opportunity to share and learn about the cultures of the team they're sponsoring." 

The event also gives the community a form of live entertainment that is rare in the U.S. 

"It has been really nice to see the community come out and watch the games," said Col. Ian Dickinson, 81st Training Wing commander. "CISM officials have said that the participation from the base and community have set this event apart from other CISM events -- now that's wonderful." 

One local resident shared his excitment about the games.

"As an ex-soccer player and coach, I'm very happy that the games are being sponsored here by Keesler and the Gulf Coast -- this is very much my event," said Mike Halloran. "It's nice to see this quality of soccer in the area, and I look forward to the next week of games." 

"I think it's a wonderful thing that helps reach out to the community, and I'm glad that I could be a part of it," said Senior Airman Jeremy Journigan, 81st Force Support Squadron volunteer. 

In addition to the games, participants will be part of a culture event sharing and learning about the heritage of each team. 

"The players seem to love the field on the Gulf Coast, and the other events off the field give them time to develop bonds and friendships which is the main point of CISM," Mr. Mooers said. 

"It has been very good here with nice weather and nice people," said Leoni Troup, a player from The Netherlands. "We are looking forward to the cultural events and hopefully get to see some of the city." 

Lt. Col. Marcus Cranston, 81st Aerospace Medical Squadron, said that this event has been great and that the community has supported it well. He felt that the games have been very competitive and the level of play for the women has been impressive. 

For a full list of games, scores and photos from previous matches and more information, logon to http://www.Keesler.af.mil.