Sixteen local players are gearing up for the 10th annual Shodair Soccer Classic, which features the top high school seniors from around the state to compete in an all-star event at Carroll College and support a good cause.

The event begins Wednesday with a series of activities leading up to highly-competitive matches on Saturday.

Kick-off for the women's game is at 5 p.m., followed by the men's game at 7 p.m. at Nelson Stadium. Admission is $5 at the gate (children 10 and under are free), and programs featuring player photos and information will be available for purchase.

The Classic features top student athletes from high schools all across Montana. Over 80 young men and women are considered during a rigorous screening process before being selected to participate in the event. Players must have been selected as All-State and All-Conference high school players in Class AA or A, and demonstrate academic achievement, leadership and citizenship.

Among those are 10 female players from Helena: Jacie Vonada, Jen Marshall, Molly Wilkins, Carlyn Anderson and Audrey Schadt of Capital High School; and Helena High's Lauren Brophy, Laura Beck, Kelli Hubley, Whitney Gerleman and Eve Book.

Capital High's boys are sending Jackson Wilkins, Kellen Martin and Tommy Clinch, who will be playing on the same West team as Helena High's Haley Klarich, Chase Farrell and Jake Staley.

They will be coached by Helena High head coach Carl Straub and assistant Robin Farrell. Glen Wall (Helena Middle School), will be the opposing coach, along with Julian Calabrese, Jeff Reese and Brendon Byrd.

Women's team coaches are Scott Warnell of Kalispell, Lini Reading of Whitefish, Laurie Stergar and Megan Parish, both of Billings. Erica Cannon of Bozeman is the assistant coach.

New this is year is the Mountain Dew MVP Award, which will be presented to the most valuable player in each game.

Players and coaches will arrive at Carroll College on Wednesday to begin practices and a variety of other activities leading up to the games.

On Friday, in what has become a favorite event for aspiring young soccer all-stars, the recently-graduated high school players will host a free clinic for children ages 3 to 12. Young soccer players will have fun while learning skills from the Soccer Classic players, starting at 10 a.m. at Nelson Stadium.

Finally, a banquet honoring players, coaches, parents, sponsors and friends will take place that evening at 6 p.m. Friday evening before the tournament. The banquet will again be hosted at the dining center on campus.

The soccer classic is a benefit for Shodair Children's Hospital. Last year, the hospital provided more than $4 million dollars in uncompensated care for at-risk children and youth. Support generated from events like the Soccer Classic and the Children's Miracle Network Telethon help assure that these services remain available for young Montanans in need of help.

Tickets will be on sale at the Nelson Stadium gate. Video of the games will also be available for purchase. For banquet reservations or other information, call 406-444-7548.