SNN Staff
Posted: Wednesday, August 1, 2012 10:14 am

SeaLions Give Young Fans Experiences to Treasure

You see them at every San Diego SeaLions game, chasing errant balls during the match, helping to welcome the team to the pitch during pre-game ceremonies or playing before the game or at halftime. They are the Ball Girls, members of the Flipper Five Line and the Pups on the Pitch, and they all have a great time being a part of the SeaLions’ Women’s Premier Soccer League (WPSL) season.

Encinitas Express GU10-Blue soccer team showed support for WPSL's San Diego SeaLions in their match against Salt Lake United on Sunday, July 22. As official SeaLion ball girls, the team was responsible for returning out of bounds balls during the game. Back row (L-R): Ari White, Katya Sumwatt, Melody Dodson, Sammie the Sea Lion, Lauren Hall, Sydney Mazzilli. Front row (L-R): Sloan Roebuck, Leila Houston, Carly Diskin, Isabel Alon.

Every season the SeaLions give local youth teams the opportunity to be involved at each home match. Before games and at halftime the Pups on the Pitch take the field for a short, friendly match. Fans might see a fun match between two younger teams, or a more intense contest between older elite sides.

At the beginning of the game the Flipper Five Line takes the field, escorted by the SeaLions’ mascot Sammie Sea Lion. These girls, all in team uniforms, get the opportunity to welcome the SeaLions’ starting eleven to the field as they are introduced. It’s always fun to watch the players running through the double line, high-fiving the young athletes as they go.

San Diego Surf players welcome the San Diego SeaLions to the field as part of the Flipper Five Line at the team's 2012 home opener against Ajax America Women

Perhaps the most important role for youth players at a SeaLions match is that of Ball Girls (and occasionally Ball Boys). These are they young players who cover the sidelines and chase down balls that have been knocked out of bounds. Without these eager young helpers, the players themselves would have to recover the balls, which unnecessarily delays the game.

“We love that we are able to allow youth soccer teams to come in and experience the game in such a unique way,” says SeaLions General Manager Amie Becker. “Kids learn what it's like to volunteer and be a part of soccer operations, while at the same time they have the privilege of being on the field close to the action and to their role models. I think it creates a great connection for these kids, and it's something they are not likely to forget.”

Although the 2012 WPSL season is over, the SeaLions are currently looking ahead to the 2013 season when they will join the WPSL Elite League in its second season. The WPSL Elite League recently completed a successful inaugural season with eight teams located in the Midwest and East Coast. After a grueling eleven week season and playoff series, the Western New York Flash won the championship with a dramatic final against the Chicago Red Stars that eventually went to penalty kicks.

Clubs interested in being involved with the SeaLions for the 2013 season should contact the team by visiting the SeaLions website.

Related Articles: SeaLions on SoccerNation