Camden Youth Soccer Club hits the bullseye in their recent fundraiser

Firstly, apologies that it took so long to get this out. I've been busy. As always, reading these articles are something that may not excite but is a good way of thanking those that helped out Camden Youth Soccer Club. The delay also allows me to advertise the new season, so there is that.

Anyway, we had a record 24 participants for the actual dart tournament. It meant four groups of six. In Group A, two-time champion Jeff Schroth came in first and Bill Sandone was the runner-up. Kieran and Harmony Todd along with Ed Waldeyer and Shelly Rabouse were eliminated. Group B had Michael Barycki in first place, Zach Van Benthem beating Maurice Keningsteen by virtue of winning their match and Becca Van Benthem, Jake Kelly and Harry Simons not qualifying for the next stage. In the next round, both Group winners won, with Michael beating Bill and Jeff beating Zach.

In Group C, there were two players clearly ahead of everyone else. Mike Roskiewich and Chelsea Barrish finished first and second respectively. Mariano Wisnowski, Wayne Rozecki, Leanne Abelino and Willem Simons were those easily beaten. In probably the toughest group (these "Random draws" can be a pain), an unbeaten Me won the group stage, with second place being taken by Derek Lutz. It was the first time Brian Barrish didn't qualify, and he was joined on the sidelines by Erwin Van Zanten, Linda Kelly and Roderick Rabouse. Strangely, both group winners in this instance lost their quarterfinal ties, meaning that the semifinals pitted Michael Barycki against Chelsea Barrish, and Jeff Schroth against walk-up entrant Derek Lutz.

In the semifinals, as a change to make it easier for someone to catch up, we went to a game of 501, where you score points, count down from 501 and end on a double. Maybe it was that change, or maybe it was a year of practice, but Chelsea Barrish beat Michael Barycki, who just couldn't get that double. There was going to be a new winner as Jeff Schroth also lost his semifinal.

The third place game started first, and Michael Barycki came in third to follow up two second place finishes. Jeff Schroth went home without a trophy for the first time, and at the end Michael made a promise that if he doesn't win next year, he will donate $50 to CYSC. In the final, nerves may have gotten the better of Chelsea, or it may have been the fact that Derek Lutz is a great dart player. In any case it wasn't all that close, and Derek took home the two big trophies.

Derek Lutz, Chelsea Barrish and Michael Barycki took home the silverware. (photo provided by Gerhardus Van Wilgen)

Obviously other than hosting the tournament, the Victor Pub yet again put on a fantastic spread of wings, salad and roast beef sandwiches. For just $20, people were able to eat as much as they wanted, as well as drink from the selection of beers, wine and soft drinks included. There were a lot of people who just turned up for that part of the day as well as the raffles. In the past we have always had great raffle prizes, and it was no different this year. Perhaps the biggest prize would have been the ball signed by Liverpool players Mamadou Sahko, Lucas Leiva and former Liverpool starlet Conor Coady. We also had signed Zach Pfeffer cleats donated by the Union player himself, another ball signed by Maurice Edu and Amobi Okugo, a Barktees jumper and gift certificate, a dart case, coffee gift kit with a year's supply of coffee and a signed Flyers puck. Thanks to everyone who donated a prize, and congratulations to the winners (unfortunately I can't remember them all). Interestingly, maybe because it was around the time when MLS trades were being made there was a three way trade of three of the prizes. While they didn't win the prizes they may have wanted, the Brotherly Game's gameday twitter star Nick Youngstein went home with a $50 Barktee gift certificate, Kieran Todd now has Zach Pfeffer's cleats on his mantle and big Liverpool fan Ed Fagan Jr. got his Liverpool signed ball.

So there you have it, another annual dart tournament was finished, and all together there was over $1,000 raised before costs. If I remember correctly, we had around $750 in profit, and all of that will go to ensuring the program continues in 2015.

If you are interested in helping out and didn't make it on the day, there will be details coming (hopefully) soon about the 3v3 Soccer tournament that will be some time in August. You can also help out by donating money to the club, and even sponsoring soccer ball purchases. For more information on that check out our donation website

Lastly, if you have a 4-14 year old that just wants to learn to play soccer, then come out to play with us. Our spring season starts on April 11th, with a chance to register on March 28th. For only $35 you get your uniform and registration fee. This includes insurance we have to pay to NJ Youth soccer. After that initial $25 uniform fee, as long as the uniform fits you only have to pay $10. If, as an adult you want to help out, we are always on the lookout for volunteers. You don't have to be able to coach as you could help out on the registration table or with things like handing out water.

Come join us or help out on these dates