Members of Choate Soccer Club line up on the steps of Hill House.
Most soccer aficionados tend to limit their hobby to keeping up with their favorite league or playing pick-up at the park. Some like Dilibe Iloeje ’18 start a club. Still a relatively new club on campus, the Choate Soccer Club was brought to the public eye as the perfect platform for all soccer lovers by Iloeje.
While it has become popular in the past term with 15 regular members and counting, it’s beginnings were humble. Iloeje, a varsity soccer player and all-around soccer fan, came up with the idea as a way to bring people together. He said, “I started Choate Soccer Club to provide students with an organized outlet with which to enjoy soccer with other like-minded students. Often times, it was too difficult to enjoy games with others and find students to talk about soccer with.” As soon as he had the idea, he brought it to his friends Spencer Jimenez ’18 and Canaan Case ’18. They were delighted by the idea and immediately brought the concept to Mr. Charlie Fuentes, Boys’ Varsity Soccer coach, and Mr. James Yanelli, Director of Student Activities, to bring the club to its feet.
While it is easy to assume that a soccer club is one dimensional, Iloeje plans to brings all aspects of the game to the table. “Choate Soccer Club is all about relaxing and enjoying the sport of soccer,” he said. “We are all about providing opportunities for members to enjoy soccer-related activities and broaden their experience around the sport.”
Iloeje was sure to mention what occurs at every club meeting. “We’ll start off by discussing recent games and sharing which plays excited us the most or which players performed the best. Then, we usually talk about our plans for the future of the club.” He added, “We always close the meeting by watching a few highlight reels.”
When asked if he had any plans set in stone for this year, Iloeje described finalizing a trip to New York City to see NYCFC, a Major League Soccer team, play. In addition to the trip, they are “trying to get a soccer clinic together where local Wallingford kids can come, play soccer, receive coaching from experienced players and coaches, and enjoy a fun afternoon. We will have futsal games, trivia contests, viewings of Champions League games and, hopefully, more trips.”
Looking into the future, Iloeje commented on his goals for the club, saying, “My goal is to create a long lasting club that continues to uphold our club mission,” Iloeje said. “Another one of my goals for the club is to establish an annual clinic. Additionally, he said, “I want to grow our membership.” Iloeje hopes to foster an appreciation for professional soccer, a sport that can be overshadowed by other domestic sports, like baseball or basketball.
The club may seem a little intimidating to someone who doesn’t know much about soccer, but Iloeje sends a clear message to any interested parties: “Do not hesitate to reach out to me with any questions. Everyone is welcome and you don’t have to be a soccer expert or even a soccer fan to enjoy the club.” The club meets every Friday at 6:30pm in the Lanphier Center, and all are welcome to attend.
