BCAT News

One of the most exciting nights in the Burlington soccer calendar is about to kick off as the Red Devils prepare to face off agains the Stoneham Spartans in the annual Town Night, formerly known as Soccer Night.

On Town Night, athletes from the Burlington Youth Soccer program show up to celebrate their older compatriots on the Burlington High School soccer team.

“Town Night is a night where we celebrate the current Burlington Youth Soccer Association players and BHS varsity players,” said girls head coach Daniella DeSousa. “My favorite part of the night is the walkout. It’s extra special for me because I’m also involved in coaching at the youth level.  A lot of the youth players have already interacted with the high school players and it’s so special to see how the younger players look up to the older ones.” 

Team captains Cassie Herrera and Ava Cicolini said the event is likely to be one of the highlights of their senior years. 

“You get to inspire young generations and bring a whole community together which makes the night special,” said Herrera.

“It’s a chance to support each other and see everyone coming together to create positive vibes that can’t be expressed anywhere else,” Cicolini added. 

Head coach of boys soccer Andrew Deane encouraged varsity athletes to enjoy these special moments. “Truly it’s a symbiotic thing, because our big guys are so excited and play so much harder and tend to seem to play so much better with that big crowd,” he said. “You know those younger kids eventually someday want to be them and right now they are just enjoying the moment of being the big guys in town that all these younger kids are looking up to.” 

The night wouldn’t be complete without a round of applause from their fans. 

“I love to be a role model and inspire the younger generation,” said senior Simone Pastore. “My sisters have been coming to Town Night every year with their team and they look up to me and my whole team.” 

The boys kick off Town Night with their game at 4:15 on Wednesday, September 25; the girls’ game starts that night at 6 p.m. Be sure to check out both of the matchups Live streamed our BCAT TV Facebook page.