By Steve Morris

The North Branch youth soccer scene has had some grim seasons in the past. However, it is all beginning to change. On July 16, two youth girls teams made local soccer history by becoming the first to qualify for the Minnesota Youth Soccer Association State Tournament.

The girls are following the footsteps of the boys U13 team, which made it to the state tournament last season. The North Branch Valkyrie under 12 and 13 teams will play in the state tournament at the National Sports Center in Blaine starting with an opening ceremony July 27.

Both teams start tournament play on July 28. The U12ís first game is against Wright County while the U13 team plays Eden Praire. Championship games for both ages will be held Aug. 4.

The girls earned their spots at the state tournament by each placing second at the district tournament. (the top two teams from each district qualify for state.)

This season, the district tournament was held at the Coon Rapids Soccer Complex. The girls compete in the classic three division.

The U12 team was ranked seventh heading into the district tournament. They knocked off the number 2 and three seeds before falling to Fridley in the championship. They finished the regular season play with a record of 3-5-2.

Dave Alm, who is the coach of both teams, said the girls from both teams gained a lot of confidence during the district tournament and played as a unit towards the end of the season.

ìOur girls have really worked well as a team,î Alm said. ìThey now believe in themselves,î Alm added.

The U13 team was the fourth seed in the district tournament and beat New Brighton in the championship game 1-0 in extreme hot weather. The U13 team finished regular season play with a record of 6-3-0.

ìWe knocked out some decent teams,î Alm said.

Helping Alm coach both teams is the North Branch Traveling Soccer coaching director, Peter Grand. Grand, who played soccer in Switzerland since 1967, brings a wealth of soccer knowledge to the teams. Also on the coaching sidelines is Randy Johnson on the U13 team and Paul Pignato on the U12 team.

Moving forward, Alm is thrilled his teams were able to qualify for the state tournament this year. It was a goal they set when they began practice in March.

ìIt will be a learning experience,î he said. ìThey are a great bunch of girls and we are very proud of them.î

For more information on North Branch soccer, visit there Web site at www.northbranchsoccer.com