They'd seen it on television, so they knew it existed. But when the South African women's national soccer team encountered snow for the first time earlier this week, they soon learned the joys of the icy white stuff -- like snowball fights.

"That was crazy. They were falling all around," said South African coach Fran Hilton-Smith who, much to the chagrin of her players, escaped being attacked.And for as much as the South Africans' two-week, eight-game tour through Utah was about soccer, it was also about experiencing different customs and environments.

"When we plan these trips, it's a life experience," said Hilton-Smith. "Many of them are from the townships, and they'll never get out of South Africa. Many will never get to see what they've seen on this trip."

The South Africans wrapped up their tour of Utah Saturday with a 0-0 draw against the Utah Utes. They finished with a 4-2-2 record. BYU handed the South Africans their only two losses, and Utah State was the other team that tied them. One of their four wins was against Weber State, and the other three were against youth teams.

One would think a national team would be superior to a high school all-star team but not with the state of women's soccer in South Africa. "It's very slow," said Hilton-Smith about soccer's growth in her native country. By no means does this mean people aren't passionate about soccer in South Africa. It's just that the youth leagues have taken so long to evolve.

Most of the national team players really didn't start playing soccer seriously until they were in their late teens.

Hilton-Smith and other South African soccer representatives hope tours like the one through Utah help them evolve into a World Cup caliber team in the next decade. They definitely showed signs of progress throughout the tour.

"It's been wonderful, and great experience for the team," said Hilton-Smith.

By no means has soccer been all the South Africans have done. They attended a Grizzlies game and a Buzz game. They hung out in Park City and even had time to take a tour of Temple Square.

View Comments

"The people have responded so well," said Patrick Remy, one of the individuals responsible for the tour.

"Most of the teams have been more than friendly," said Desiree Ellis, the team captain. "When you leave your country, you don't know what to expect."

Great hospitality, snow and quality soccer lessons is what they'll take home with them -- in addition to plenty of souvenirs.

You can reach James Edward by e-mail at jedward@desnews.com

Join the Conversation
Looking for comments?
Find comments in their new home! Click the buttons at the top or within the article to view them — or use the button below for quick access.