Even before Kevin Darcy accepted the task of starting a men’s soccer program at Virginia Peninsula Community College, he figured finding interested players wouldn’t be a problem. As the coach approaches the team’s first practice, scheduled for Aug. 1, that has proved to be the case.
“From a standpoint of new players, kids coming in, it’s very good,” he said. “We’ve got a real good core.”
There also are a lot of students who were enrolled last year who are interested in being student-athletes this year. Darcy and athletics director Chris Moore are fielding inquiries almost daily, and it’s been a work-in-progress for both getting the word out about the first-year program. Darcy doesn’t expect any problems filling out a roster.
“It’s been real good,” Darcy said of the interest he’s receiving from potential players.
He would like to have about two dozen players on his roster. He’s expecting 18 to 20 for that first practice.
“I think between now and mid-August, we could easily be at 24 or a few more,” he said.
The first game is tentatively scheduled for Aug. 19 at Regent University in Virginia Beach. However, that might go down as a scrimmage, in which case the first men’s soccer match in VPCC history will be Monday, Aug. 28 at home against the College of Southern Maryland. The Gators will be in the New South Athletic Conference, and part of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA).
The schedule lists 12 games, four of which are at home, along with five friendless, which could be against local club travel teams or local college club teams. It’s a schedule Darcy likes.
“We’re playing those NJCAA teams,” he said. “We’re playing Louisburg, which is a former national champion from a few years back. We’re playing Cape Fear Community College. So, we’re playing teams we are going to be totally affiliated with in the future.”
As is typical with first-year programs, most of the Gators’ games will be on the road. They have just three home games scheduled. Darcy is finalizing agreements for a home venue, which he hopes will be either Wanner Stadium in Williamsburg or Bailey Field in Yorktown. Practices for now are scheduled for Wolf Trap Park in Yorktown.
His goals for the program this first year don’t include a set number of wins or reaching a certain round in the postseason.
“The season will be a success if we are able to put a competitive product on the field and operate at standards of a college soccer program,” he said. “I’m confident we will do both.”
One of his players is from Northern Virginia, and another (a nephew) is from Maryland .
“Both are really good players,” he said, adding the rest of the players are expected to be local.
“A pretty good group for year one. I think we’re going to be competitive,” he said.
For more information on VPCC athletics, go to vpcc.edu.