INUVIK - Playing outdoor soccer can be a challenge when it's hot.

Some Inuvik soccer players are preparing for the warmer weather in New Mexico, where they'll be particpating in a tournament in July.

The Inuvik soccer club is raising money to travel to New Mexico for the 2007 Indigenous Soccer Cup in late July. Here the team receives a cheque for $1,000 from Mike Carruthers of the Union of Northern Workers. Pictured are, back from left, Cole Maring, Jordan Rogers, Yvonne Carpenter, Mike Carruthers, Lance Gray, Dwight Carpenter; front row from left, Scott Kuptana, Connor McLeod, James Day Jr. and Cullen McLeod. photo courtesy of Yvonne CarpenterTwiss

The Inuvik soccer club was chosen to send 10 players to join other athletes from the NWT at the Indigenous Cup in Albuquerque, N.M.

The tournament starts on July 26 and players such as Lance Gary are already preparing for the hot sun and warm weather.

"One of the hardest parts of outdoor soccer is dealing with the heat," said Gray.

"There is also more running involved than the indoor game."

Gray said he enjoys playing the outdoor version of the sport because the kicks are harder and the competition is stronger.

"There are fast players at that tournament," said Gray, thinking ahead to the challenges that await he and his friends.

Training for the event has been tough, but the team is nearly ready for the trip.

"We've been working on our chipping and running a lot," said Gray.

Different shoes are needed for the outdoor sport. Gray explained that spiked cleats are needed when running on grass.

"I have plastic tipped cleats, they help with traction," he said.

Dwight Carpenter, another of the athletes heading off to the tourney, said the team has been getting ready by running the bypass, which is five kilometres.

The team has also been meeting every day after school to practise on the field.

"We're always playing," said Carpenter.

"We're out there almost every day for a few hours at a time."

Jordan Rogers has been busy adjusting his ability for the outdoor sport.

Rogers said that he enjoys the game because he is good at what he does.

"It's always fun and I just enjoy playing," said Rogers.

Scott Kuptana is about to travel for the first time to an outdoor tournament. He said he is looking forward to the trip and wants to learn from the other participants who will be playing.

"I'm going to have fun playing against other teams," he said.

Kuptana agreed with the other players that the outdoor game is a more intense experience.

"There is so much more running," he said.

"You're also playing against a lot more people."

The boys leave on July 26 and will return on July 30.