The story of the Boskydell Soccer Club doesn’t begin with big budgets, formal leagues, or statewide programs. It begins on a patch of grass behind Unity Point School, with a group of students who simply loved the game and a coach who believed they deserved the chance to play it. What started small has grown into a competitive, tight-knit team made up of fifth through eighth graders—and one of the brightest additions to the Unity Point community.

Coach Greg Pangrazio never expected to lead something this impactful. In 2022, he noticed something surprising: there was limited opportunity for his sons and their friends to play soccer at their level - either they could join Saturday rec league play or try out for a travel team.  There was a gap for players approaching middle school age who knew the basics of soccer but who weren’t on the path for a spot on a travel team.  After further search and discussion with other local teams, Greg decided to make a new path. “We started the program in 2023,” he said. “We are trying to provide a space where players of all abilities can participate, grow, learn the fundamentals of the game, and compete around the area in local friendly matches and tournament play.”

The team’s early seasons were built on enthusiasm, parent support, and a belief that kids deserved opportunities even when systems didn’t yet exist to provide them. Two and a half years later, the team has just finished a strong fall season, competing in four tournaments across the region and earning impressive results: a second-place finish, two championships, and a fifth-place finish after moving up a bracket to face tougher opponents.

Using the field at Unity Point, Boskydell’s year is split into two seasons. Fall is for practicing skills and training players for game play and tournaments, while spring brings friendly matches against nearby schools like Marion, Harrisburg, and Carbondale. Tournaments are typically sponsored by towns or private organizations, giving players who may not have access to travel soccer the chance to play in competitive settings.

The program depends heavily on parent support, especially for transportation with several team parents providing carpool to practices and games.. Financial backing comes from player fees and a few generous sponsors who prefer to stay anonymous. Unity Point’s role has been essential, too. “They’ve been very helpful,” Greg said. “They allow us to use the field, give us gym time in bad weather, and are working with us to get the field up to full playing standards.”

One of the things that defines this team is that it’s coed. Boys and girls practice and compete together, learning to trust, encourage, and challenge one another. When asked how it feels to play on a coed team, eighth grader Shabomi Badejo shrugged lightly and said, “There’s not much of a difference. Same rules. Same field. It’s the same.”

Jesus Martinez added another perspective with a small grin: “Sometimes the referees call fouls differently because it’s a girl.” And Eric Hernandez echoed the team’s overall feeling when he said, “It’s just like any other team—there’s just girls.”

For most of the players, soccer has been part of their lives for years. Chris Godinez said he joined because “this was my old soccer team back in Carbondale,” and he’s been playing since he was six. Their first tournament win made a lasting impression. “It was really hard and good at the same time because we all played our hardest,” one player said, describing the blend of exhaustion and pride they felt walking off the field.

Not everyone joins with years of experience. This season, three or four players were brand new to the sport. The older players took them under their wing without hesitation, helping them learn positions, control the ball, and build confidence through repetition.

The players are quick to credit their coach for helping them grow—not just as athletes, but as people. They call Greg the GOAT, said half-jokingly but with real affection. “He’s a really nice person,” one player said. “He takes care of his players. When we’re hungry, he gives us big snacks.” Another added, “If we make a mistake, he helps us improve either way.”

Greg coaches alongside his father, Jack Pangrazio, adding another layer of connection to the team. His two sons, Everett and Graham, are both players, making the program feel even more like a shared family effort.

The roster includes many Unity Point students who proudly represent Boskydell together: Javier Buchanan, Subomi Badejo, Samuel Elveus, Chris Godinez, Erick Hernandez, Ryker Madison, Oakley Madison, Alex Martinez, Jesus Martinez, Dulce Morales, Everett Pangrazio, Graham Pangrazio, Jared Rodriguez, Angel Rosas, Carlos Rosas, Michael Simelton, Lily Stoops, Luis Suiz, and Bryan Vincente. Additionally, players from rural parts of the area where challenging soccer programs may not be available have also come to play with Boskydell providing even greater opportunity for connection, camaraderie, and growth. Coach Greg says, “My favorite part of the program is watching friendships develop between players who may not have otherwise interacted with each other.”

The players come from different grades, backgrounds, and experience levels, but together they’ve built something bigger than any season record or tournament medal. They’ve created a place where teamwork matters, friendships form easily, and effort is always recognized.