Adult soccer celebrates 25th anniversary, expands with new team
Sports. Adult soccer in Sparta celebrates its 25th anniversary. The group will soon expand by starting a new team for players who are in their sixties.
Sparta Over Forties Football Club celebrated its 25th Anniversary with a commemorative game held Sunday Oct. 13, 2019 at Station Park between the club’s Over 40s team and a combined Over 50s and Over 60s team. Club founders and legends Michael Dalichow and Paul "Clem" Clements were on hand to help officiate and celebrate occasion with a celebratory scrimmage.
Despite an early goal, the Over 40s team failed to press home their age advantage and the 50s and 60s grew stronger as the game progressed moving into a well-deserved 3-2 lead. In the second half, the 40s saw took the lead. The game ended 5-3 to the 40s and after a valiant effort, the 50s and 60s team,missing several first team regulars, had to settle for reminiscing on victories from yesteryear, at drinks on Dalichow’s deck.
The 40s and 50s teams play in the United Soccer League of New Jersey (www.USLNJ.com), with the 40s currently in first place and the 50s in second, in their respective leagues. Continuing the tradition of adult soccer in North New Jersey, the 60s team will kick off its inaugural season in the Over 60s league next spring. The Club trains at 8 p.m. on Wednesday nights at Station Park and all active adults are welcome to attend.
Anyone interested in playing or finding out more can attend Wednesdays at 8 p.m. at Station Park, or send email to the club's president Steve Hespelt at steve.hespelt@gmail.com.