Continuing to get on the pitch throughout the winter season, local 11-year-old soccer player Paele Rapp gained valuable experience playing in tournaments throughout the Rocky Mountain region in January and February.

Starting off in Billings in January, Rapp took part in the Rocky Mountain College Cup, an indoor tournament where he played with a team of Montana Olympic Development Program (ODP) players.

The team dominated, going 6-0 at the tournament with a goal differential of 39-2.

“Playing in the indoor tournaments really does help as I might not get as many touches in the winter because of how cold it is. So these indoor tournaments help keep me at my best so I’m ready for the fall/spring seasons,” Rapp said. “It also helps me with my small touches and passes as the field is much smaller. It also keeps me running constantly since it’s such a small field and there’s no stopping.”

After winning that tournament, Rapp rejoined the Wyoming 307/ODP team in early February and decided to head south, taking part in the 7 Elite International Tournament in St. George, Utah.

According to the tournament website, the 7 Elite International Tournament included teams from around the United States, Africa and the United Kingdom.

“Playing in these big tournaments is a really good experience, as I can play teams from different states and countries and be able to build off of how they play and perform,” Rapp said. “It shows it doesn’t matter where you’re from or how small or big your town is … Playing with these strong and talented players can teach me things like techniques and moves and they learn from me too.”

At the St. George tournament, the Wyoming team finished with three draws, earning a 2-2 draw against Roca, out of Utah and a 1-1 and 0-0 draw against two different teams from the host city.

“My favorite part of soccer is how the ball is constantly moving, and you’re always constantly scheming and waiting for your next opportunity,” Rapp said. “It never stops and you’re always thinking.”

Continuing to take part in the ODP program, Rapp hopes to continue honing in on his skills as he grows into the older ranks.

“ODP helps improve my skills by learning advanced skills, ways to play and things I simply couldn’t learn here or even on YouTube. It helps teach me what I need to work on and why this is working or not, and what I can change,” Rapp said. “It helps to know that I can compete at these bigger more advanced tournaments and show myself that I can compete with the top players of Wyoming and Montana.”

Moving into the spring, Rapp, along with local youth in the Heart Mountain United program, will transition back outside, taking part in tournaments around Wyoming and Montana with the season concluding in Casper May 25-27 with the Wyoming Cup and Championships.

“I prefer bigger outdoor fields as there is more space to use and pass the ball through,” Rapp said. “It is also longer games and I prefer the bigger goals. There is a lot more you can do with the ball on a bigger field.”

He said all these tournaments are a great experience and a lot of fun.