Indoor soccer arrives at Malmstrom

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Daniel Brosam
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs
The voices of Airmen have been heard by leadership, and they are bringing indoor soccer to Malmstrom.

The fitness center is hosting indoor soccer every Friday 5-7 p.m. at the basketball courts. An additional day will be added if there is enough participation. When the weather clears up, soccer will move outdoors.

Maj. Jeremiah Kirschman, 341st Contracting Squadron commander, said all Airmen and their dependents are welcome to join.

“Anyone and everyone is welcome to play, no matter their rank or skill level,” Kirschman said.

The first soccer game was played Feb. 24 with a turnout of around 25 people, enough for five teams of five players.

Kirschman said the initial goal of indoor soccer is to build camaraderie between Airmen, learn about one another and form enough teams to compete in squadron intramural indoor and outdoor soccer.

A long-term goal is to form a team to represent Malmstrom at the 2017 Labor Day weekend Defender's Cup, the nation's largest armed forces soccer tournament open to all installations from every branch of service.

“We would like to get a group of Airmen together who share an interest in soccer and get them to compete at the Defender’s Cup and represent our base,” Kirschman said. “It’s about enjoying soccer and building each other up both mentally and physically.”

Airman 1st Class Felipe Vilches-Hernandez, 341st Logistics Readiness Squadron vehicle operator, said he will be playing in the indoor soccer matches.

“Soccer has always been a part of my life,” Vilches-Hernandez said. “I’ve been playing since I was a child and it is something that is very near and dear to my heart. I hope (indoor soccer) will bring people together and improve my skills.”

Vilches-Hernandez said soccer doesn’t seem to be a very popular sport in the local community, so starting a league on base is a step in the right direction.

Individuals interested in playing indoor soccer should arrive at the basketball courts at 5 p.m. with indoor shoes. Kirschman asks that people do not bring their own soccer balls nor wear cleats. Kirschman also said the game has no referees, and no uniforms or sign-up is required to play.

“I just appreciate wing and group leadership for being supportive,” Kirschman said. “Leadership is very interested in helping Airmen find new things to do.”