By Justin Fedich | The Selma Times-Journal

Upward Soccer players have gained much more out of their season than a win-loss record.

“We’ve learned how to play as a team,” said sixth grader Kaleb Sims.

The Upward Soccer program in Valley Grande finishes its six game season Saturday after six weeks of learning the value of faith and teamwork through the game of soccer. Upward Soccer Director Kirk Sims said between 110 and 120 kids have enjoyed being a part of a team playing a sport they enjoy.

For some kids, soccer has been the first sport they have ever played.

Sixth grader Joel Montoro has been playing soccer for eight years, and he has welcomed players who are new to soccer to his team.

“We got two first time players and they’ve really shown they belong,” Montoro said.

Montoro’s father and soccer coach Michael said Upward Soccer has given Joel more than just soccer skills.

“How to work as a team and how to be considerate of others. Not thinking of himself first,” Michael said.

Kirk said Upward Soccer strives to help children grow mentally, athletically, spiritually and socially.

Every kid is given an equal chance at success, as the teams are divided up evenly with each player receiving equal playing time.

Kirk’s son Kaleb is playing in his final season of Upward Soccer. Kirk’s said Kaleb and his teammates have learned the true value of sportsmanship.

“We teach it in a way that they win with grace, and they lose with grace,” Sims said.

Upward Soccer coach Greg Bergeron said that the high level of participation in this season’s Upward Soccer program can make soccer more popular throughout the Dallas County community.

“There’s not a big soccer culture around Selma right now, and I think it at least exposes it to them and hopefully get some interest in it as they get older,” Bergeron said.

Kaleb and Joel haven’t won every game they’ve played this season, but they’re OK with that.

Through their multiple years of experience with Upward Soccer, they’ve learned there’s a lot more to sports than who wins and who loses.

“Don’t worry about if we lose or win,” Joel said. “We’re a team and we can get through it.”