The Pearl River Soccer Club is taking the sport by storm. Earlier this year, three teams within the club represented Pearl River County in the state tournament held in Meridian. The U-16 co-ed team, which consists of 14 and 15-year-olds placed second while the boy’s U-16 team earned third place in their division.

Ana Riascos, the club’s secretary and scheduler, helps run the club along with her husband Javier Riascos, who serves as the club’s vice president. Together they ensure their players are ready to compete in district and state tournaments.

“On average, we have about 280 players in the club each season and each team has their own coach,” Ana Riascos said.

Ana and her husband also coach several teams and hold practices at the West Union Fields and Friendship Park.

The club made history last year after nine teams competed in the Mississippi Soccer Association Southern District Tournament. Seven of those teams advanced and placed second and third at the Kohl’s Cup, also known as the MSA State Championship. Riascos said that was the first time so many teams placed in a tournament since the club’s establishment in 2002.

The club was originally called Pearl River Futbol Club. When the club became a non-profit, it was changed to its current name.

“We’re now trying to get grants to help us compete,” Riascos said.

While the season finished in May, the club continues to ensure their members stay fit during the summer months.

Today, the club is hosting a soccer camp for children led by Tony Schibeci, who played professional soccer in Italy and Venezuela, and Freddy Clavijo, a goalie who competed in the world cup in 1979.

The money raised from the event will go towards the club’s expenses for the upcoming season, Riascos said.

The club plans to hold an open registration for the upcoming season, which starts in August, on July 18, August 1 and August 8 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Italian Grill and Pizzeria located at 1702 Hwy. 11. Ages 4 to 20 are welcome to register, Riascos said.

Riascos said everyone is welcome to register whether they’re a beginner or advanced.

For more information, contact the club at (619) 813-4864 or visit www.prfcms.org.