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OAKVILLE BEAVER Wednesday, April 29, 2009 · 26 Soccer team seeking financial support to help offset cost of trip to Australia n Continued from page 24 an Olympic athlete. I think it gives people hope." "You can still participate at a good, competitive level," added Yurchuk. "People say to me, `Oh, you play?' Of course, I play. Why would I stop? It doesn't end when you turn 20." In fact, age has been the least of their worries. The financial commitment -- approximately $5,000 each -- has discouraged some players from committing to the team. Recently, the team's goal- tender had to back out because she could not afford the trip to Australia on top of a trip for a family wedding in the same year. The team is still looking for a keeper, as well as two other players, but will be going to Australia regardless. With business suffering because of the economy, sponsorships have been hard to come by. Monaghan's Sports Pub & Grill and Conker Fitness have both helped out, but the players are absorbing the bulk of the cost. "It's not that we're looking to get the trip paid for," Sdao said. "We all know there is a cost involved (for the players), but it would be nice to have some help from outside." The team has been making its own financial sacrifices just to prepare for the trip, incurring the costs of uniforms, training , renting gyms and fields as well as having to take time off work for the tournament. Coming home with the gold would make it all worthwhile, but even Yurchuk isn't sure what to expect in Australia. She said until you get there and start playing games, you don't know what the level of competition will be like. The best advice she can offer her teammates is to prepare as well as they can and when the games begin, enjoy the experience. "It's always been a sport I've loved," said Holtshousen, who played at York University. "The opportunity to compete at that level is very exciting."