January 2 2024
Red Paws Soccer Club will hold tryouts Jan. 6 at 11 a.m. at the Park Street Soccer Complex, unless rough weather forces practice into the gym at Weiser Middle School.
The club is open to all kids from the western Treasure Valley between the ages of six and 18 with teams based on the number of players per age group.
Red Paws S.C. is the passion project of Trine Lønberg, the head coach of the Weiser High School varsity girls soccer team. Lønberg, who also runs the Weiser Recreation Department’s indoor soccer program, played and coached soccer professionally for decades across Europe before landing in Weiser several years ago. After working with other local clubs, Lønberg knew she wanted to start her own.
To play competitive soccer, kids from towns like Weiser must travel long distances, typically to Boise, and pay thousands of dollars.
“Pay-to-play plagues American soccer and we want to help change that,” said Dylan Brown, who helped found the club with Lønberg.
Red Paws will charge players only $100 in their first season. The fees will cover the costs of two jerseys, a pair of shorts, two pairs of socks and a backpack. A registered non-profit, Red Paws is looking for donations from the community to make sure no child is turned away.
“Money should never cost a kid the chance to play,” Lønberg said.
Donations will also help cover the costs of insurance, new training equipment and referees for games.
In the inaugural season, Red Paws plans to schedule “friendly” games against other clubs from across the region. In subsequent seasons, the club hopes to join a regional league.
Interested parents can check out the club’s Facebook page, Red Paws Soccer Club, or contact Lønberg (208) 405-3669 or Brown (208) 608-0212.
