Ramona Soccer League kicks off 35th season with ceremonies

Ramona Soccer League (RSL) started its fall season with opening ceremonies Friday night, Aug. 23, at the soccer fields, attracting hundreds of players and their families.

Commemorating RSL’s 35th season, participants enjoyed music, food and festivities. Soccer player Wendy Whitney belted out the national anthem before each team was introduced.

Team introductions came in the form of “the run.” Players and coaches sported their jerseys and displayed their banners as each team made the run down the runway through a crowd of spectators in a in a unique way to show its personality. Players in division 5 girls team SWAT (Soccer With ATtitude) strutted the whole way with arms crossed and determined looks on their faces. The boys in division 6 team Fireballs made its mark with whistles, glow necklaces, silly string and orange hair. Other team names include Shooting Unicorns, Green Creepers, Slimenators, Ghost Kickers, Blazing Bulls and Powerpuff Girls.

In addition to the introduction of the teams, RSL and RSL Intra (competitive teams) sold food and snacks, and RSL gave away over $4,500 worth of items donated by sponsors through an opportunity drawing and silent auctions. Barona Resort and Casino supported the cause with three hotel getaway packages valued at nearly $2,000. Also sponsoring the evening were WakeWorld, Barona Speedway, Wave Water Park, Yogurt Barn, El Michoacan, Amici, Boll Weevil, Action Auto, Top Nail and Spa, Mi Casa Reveles, Jewelry World, Pacifica Spa Studio, Ramona Cleaners, Auto Registration Service, Bisher’s Meat, La Cocina, Oil Changer, K2 Auto Detailing, Main Street Auto Care and Origami Owl.