Ellwood City soccer team needs new uniforms

ELLWOOD CITY – While not as big of a team as the football or basketball team, Janine Hindman said the Ellwood City Area varsity soccer team wants the same level of equitable treatment as the other athletic teams.

During the most recent school board meeting, Hindman, who is the wife of the soccer coach, spoke regarding the team’s uniform situation, which she said is “dire.”

She said the team does not have matching uniforms, with some of the players’ uniforms dry rotting.

Hindman said the team often has to buy uniforms out of the team’s limited equipment funding, with team members often having to buy materials like socks and shin guards out of pocket.

“We’re going to look like the ‘Bad News Bears’ when we march out,” she said.

Hindman said she thought it was board policy that the district would cover the cost of matching uniforms, stating she wants the team to have pride in their school.

School board President Jean Biehls said it is unacceptable for the students to not have matching uniforms, stating a team, no matter how small, should be able to proudly represent their school and their community.

Lincoln 10-12 grade Principal John Sovich said he will look to help with the matter to address the uniforms.

Currently, there are 15 students on the co-ed team, with Hindman stating the program is growing more and more each year.