By Leslie Kilgore EBS CONTRIBUTOR
The Big Sky Futbol Club’s travel teams recently returned from a highly competitive regional tournament in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, with three teams making it through to the finals and the U14 girls taking home a gold medal for the win. The Bill Eisenwinter HOTSHOT Tournament hosted over 200 teams May 12-14, giving BSFC another opportunity to test their skills on the pitch.
BFSC has quietly become a force in Montana youth soccer, developing players who can stand toe-to-toe with teams from cities like Bozeman, Missoula, Great Falls and Billings.
“Over the past few years, the quality of soccer and level of play in our club has steadily improved,” Club Director Doug Hare said. “Even though we’re a smaller club, our teams are able to compete and win against clubs from larger population centers.”
Founded in 2018 to serve youth ages 4 to 19, BSFC has become a vital part of the Big Sky community, helping athletes improve their technical skills while fostering life lessons in teamwork, accountability and resilience. Hare believes the future of the club is bright.
“Given the talent pool that’s emerged in Big Sky since 2018, I think that both of our high school teams will be competing for the Class A state championship very soon,” Hare said. “I’m confident that we have a few of our players in our club tracking to play at the collegiate level, if they want to.”
The club’s growing success is made possible by generous support from parents and local sponsors. Fundraisers like the recent Ski Duck Derby, pickleball tournaments and the Big Sky Oktoberfest have made it possible to offer financial aid for players, cover tournament costs, and invest in top-tier coaching and equipment.
“Big Sky Oktoberfest has been essential in helping make our club better,” Hare said. “Larry and Dana Wikan’s hard work on this event and the money raised the last two years is why we are able to provide financial assistance to any player who needs it.”
With the season running through mid-June, the club is preparing for two more regional tournaments and six additional Montana Youth Soccer Association league games.
The summer lineup includes two soccer camps in Big Sky. The Nike Soccer Camp will be coming to town for the first time July 21-24, and the popular One.Soccer Camp returns July 28-Aug. 1.
BSFC will also offer informal pickup games for various ages at Big Sky Community Park throughout the summer before their fall season kicks off in mid-August.
Hare said that as Big Sky continues to grow, the club expects to surpass 160 players in the next few seasons. He added that the impact of the program is deeply personal and rewarding for the families involved.
“The players who come through our program are building lasting friendships, getting a lot of strenuous exercise while hopefully falling in love with the beautiful game. They develop physically and gain mental fortitude while learning personal responsibility and how to cooperate with their teammates and compete against their opponents,” Hare said. “So, at least from my vantage point, the benefits of playing competitive sports are tangible, real and transferable to life off the pitch.”
