Eyes on the goal

Pine Ridge resident Colton Harding was busy manning his concession stand just north of I-90 exit 168, Friday afternoon offering cookies, chips, pop and other goodies essential for car trips and has made almost enough for this year's trip to the international soccer games in Minnesota.

Yes, this 11-year-old entrepreneur works hard with a purpose: he is a soccer player and pays his way, reimbursing his mom and dad for fuel, rooms, etc. to follow his passion.

"It's very expensive, but I somehow make it every single year," he says.

The US team made it to the Minnesota Cup last year where they placed third.

"We lost against Puerta Rico," he says.

There were around nine to 11 athletes on the US team at last year's games, a fact that Harding appreciated: "That's a very good number because we need subs for our team, it's very hot in Minnesota when we play."

The young soccer player has been involved with the game since he was five and hopes to reach professional status when he is older. Facilitating that goal, he raises funds and still takes the needed time each day to train, "It's just fun to do soccer and I love doing it."

Harding attributes his enjoyment of the sport to his mother's influence.

"My mom taught me the game when I was younger and she started her own team in Moorcroft. I decided to play and it just kind of got me into it," he says.

The young athlete began at Gillette's recreation center before moving on to the city's Edge team, Gillette's main [younger soccer] team last year.

"So, I travel to Gillette three days every week to go to practice and my mom helps me pay the gas and stuff to go."

This is the second year he has manned his own concession stand on the roadside on Pine Ridge and also at the fair events to fund the $2500 trip to the Minnesota Cup.

With only about a month left before travel time, Harding is very close to his goal, "I only have like $300 to go!" After reaching this year's objective, he plans to continue working and get a good start for next season.