JOHNSTOWN —
Most of the participants in the Santa Fund Soccer Classic games today at Trojan Stadium are playing together for the first time.
At best, maybe they have one or two of their high school teammates suiting up with them today, or perhaps someone they played alongside in a travel or indoor league.
None of the others will have the on-field connection that Kady and Kiera Bills have.
The sisters from Cambria Heights will be the first twins to play in the second annual event, which begins with the girls’ game at 1:30 p.m. and will be followed by the boys’ match at 3 p.m.
See more photos from Saturday's practice here
“It’s nice to have somebody that I’ve been playing with and I know and what they do,” said Kady, the older of the two. “We do work together well. We always have, because we’re sisters.”
That should give the talent-laden North squad, which is coached by Forest Hills’ Donna Gallaher, Bishop McCort’s Rebeka Walter and Greater Johnstown’s Alyssa Arcurio, even more of a boost.
Aside from Allie Thompson, who played on an indoor team with the Bills sisters, this will be the first time they take the field with the rest of the North players.
“I’ve seen them all and thought they were all really good,” Kiera said after a team practice at Trojan Stadium on Saturday. “It’s good to play with them and become better.”
Kady said it was an honor to be selected along with 15 other local seniors to the North squad.
“You feel privileged,” she said. “It makes you feel good about yourself, like you have talent and skill.”
The Bills sisters began playing soccer 13 years ago at age 4, so hanging up their spikes will be difficult.
Kiera said that she has considered playing in college, but might give up the sport to concentrate on her studies. Even if she doesn’t play competitively, she isn’t ready to give up soccer entirely.
“I’ll probably continue playing pickup games for my school and indoor,” Kiera said.
Kady also isn’t sure what her future holds, but she isn’t necessarily going to follow the same path as her younger sister, which could be a big change.
“It’ll be different,” Kady said. “Your sister’s not going to be there. She’s been there forever.”
The sisters each said they’re excited to help the Santa Fund, which delivers Christmas presents to needy children in the area.
“It’s nice to raise money for kids that don’t have anything,” Kady said.
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