Thompson Falls and Plains are joining forces for the first time to create high school soccer programs through a Montana High School Association sports cooperative, with plans to compete in the Northern A league in the upcoming fall season. The merger, confirmed by 406mtsports.com, aims to address the addition of boys and girls soccer to their sports offerings despite being 25 miles apart.

By the Numbers
  • The Clark Fork Soccer Alliance is donating $23,270 to support the introduction of soccer as a school sport for Thompson Falls and Plains.
  • Clark Fork Soccer Alliance has been providing soccer opportunities to over 600 players aged 3-19 in Sanders and Mineral counties over the last three years.
Yes, But

There are still logistical details to resolve, such as coaching roles and match locations, before the Thompson Falls-Plains team can fully establish their soccer program.

State of Play
  • The school boards of Plains and Thompson Falls have already approved the formation of the co-op to include soccer as an MHSA sport, with strong backing from the local community.
  • The Clark Fork Soccer Alliance has been advocating for school soccer since 2018 and has a successful history of competing against junior varsity MHSA programs.
What's Next

The next steps involve finalizing coaching appointments, organizing game venues, and integrating the new Thompson Falls-Plains soccer team into the competitive landscape of the Northern A league.

Bottom Line

Thompson Falls and Plains are uniting to introduce high school soccer programs, bolstered by community support and a significant donation, marking a new chapter in western Montana soccer that promises a competitive and engaging fall season ahead.