Similarly to many other winter sports, Burlingame’s girls soccer team was unable to begin their season at the usual date this year. Fortunately, on March 15, the team was finally able to get back on the field and start practicing for the Peninsula Athletic League games.

Philip De Rosa, head coach of the girls varsity soccer team, has had to implement new practice procedures to satisfy the district’s COVID-19 guidelines. 

“Everybody’s wearing a mask. We also do have a safe check system [from the LiveSafe App] where the kids answer a series of questions on their cell phone, and when they come to the field, they show a green check indicating that they have not traveled, they’re not sick, etc.,” De Rosa said.

Despite the precautions being taken during practice however, not a lot has changed from previous seasons, according to sophomore and JV player Kelsey McDonald.

“The two biggest differences are that the season is a lot shorter and we’re required to wear masks during practice, but other than that, it’s all pretty normal,” McDonald said.

Since the season started later this year, it has coincided with club sports, forcing students to choose between playing the season on a club or high school team. 

“There are a number of kids that have decided to play club ball, which is being run at the same time as our season… But, we’re blessed to have a majority of players [who] opted to play high school soccer instead,” De Rosa said. 

Regardless of the COVID-19 interference and the overlap with club ball, De Rosa is excited to be back for yet another season. 

“We look forward to coaching the kids and we’re feeling pretty optimistic for the season,” De Rosa said.

The players are also glad to be able to get back on the field after a long time.

“I’m really looking forward to having a season and playing despite the possibility of having to wear masks and follow certain guidelines,” McDonald said.