Gem State champions.

“Little kids!” That’s our chant before every game. At the 2026 Gem State Challenge, our U10 Boys Academy gave us a weekend to remember: they topped their group and won the Silver South final.

1. A weekend shared by the whole team

• 4 games played
• 29 goals scored
• 5 goals conceded
• 1 clean sheet
• 10 different goal scorers

Those numbers tell part of the story. The way the boys supported each other tells the rest.

2. A final that showed their character

We were 2–0 down in the final. The boys kept thinking, working and playing together, turning the game around to win 9–2 with six different players scoring.

Nobody gave up. They made smart decisions and trusted their teammates. We won by playing clean, thoughtful team soccer. Their response when we were behind made me every bit as proud as the trophy.

3. Teamwork beyond the score

The boys backed up their teammates and worked to protect their goalkeeper. Everyone on the bench kept cheering, and they accepted substitutions without complaint.

When games became physical or frustrating, they stayed focused. They kept their heads and let their soccer do the talking. What we practise together showed up when it mattered.

4. The people behind the weekend

A massive thank you to Coach Andre Kent and Coach Casey Armstrong for helping before, during and after the games. Your support made a difference to the boys and to me.

Thank you to Kalian for the conditioning work before practice. The boys’ energy and ability to keep working throughout the weekend really showed.

To everyone who carried equipment around Simplot, our field marshal volunteers, and everyone who came to cheer: thank you. Those contributions help make weekends like this possible.

And to the parents, thank you for trusting me with your sons and their soccer development. I’m grateful to be part of their journey.

5. A group worth celebrating

Kruz, Daniil, Arik, Abe, Christian, Crawford, James, Joseph, Levi, Niko, Eden, Knox and Mateo: you stepped up, worked hard and kept playing for each other.

It wasn’t always easy or pretty, but you found ways to help the team. You earned this celebration.

More than a trophy

The trophy is exciting. The lasting memory is how these boys responded to a challenge and enjoyed the game together. We have many more fun memories ahead.

Thank you all. I had a blast, and I hope you felt it too!

— Coach Guy Zaouch, U10 & U11 Boys Academy

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Interested in Idaho Surf? Explore the programs and contact the club about the right age group, current opportunities and registration. Team placement and availability are confirmed by Idaho Surf.