BY SAPNA PATHAK

They’re the ones who’ve either played with him, against him or cheered for him at countless soccer games.

They’ve built a bond that goes beyond the soccer field thanks to sleepovers, inside jokes and similar school schedules.

And they’re the only ones allowed to call him “Pookie Bear.”

It’s the nickname Jonathan Carlisle’s mother gave him when he was younger, but now it’s the affectionate moniker his four best friends use. Those friends were alongside Carlisle in being named to this year’s New Hampshire Phantoms Youth Division.

Joining Carlisle on the U16 premiere team boys roster is Tyler Ellis, while Ian Downing, earned a spot on the U15 squad. Fellow Goffstown sophomores Nicole Wilkinson and Stephanie Baker will play for the girls U16 premiere team.

“We’ve all played together since forever,” said Carlisle. “We’ve played on the same coed team, played against each other, and we get out to a bunch of each other’s games. We’re also all best friends, so it’s really cool.”

The quintet made the cut for the Phantoms, a member of the United Soccer League. The players also compete for the Grizzlies boys and girls high school soccer teams in the fall.

While Baker, Wilkinson, Ellis and Carlisle start their rookie seasons with the Phantoms, Downing returns for his third campaign.

Baker, a center/midfielder for GHS, said trying out for the Phantoms with her pals in the audience helped give her the confidence needed to shine in front of Phantom girls head coach Gary Karibian. Wilkinson also impressed with her skills on offense. Advancing from recreation leagues to the Phantoms, both Wilkinson and Baker said they were surprised by the competition on the Phantoms.

“We knew it would be a lot higher skill levels than high school, which is all different levels,” said Baker. “It helps bring our game to a higher level and also get to meet new people and also play with someone you’re so comfortable with.”

Striker Carlisle agreed, saying he felt more comfortable knowing Ellis, a midfielder, is sharing field time with him. Downing, on the other hand, has always had a playing partner in older brother Brad, also a player for the Phantoms.

Downing said the friendship developed with his fellow foursome has allowed him to step out of Brad’s shadow.

Downing also helped recruit Carlisle to the Phantoms.

Ellis’s trip to tryouts took a different route.

“Ian told Jon about the tryouts one night,” said Ellis. “And I was sleeping over at Jon’s and Ian was like, ‘Why don’t you come too?’ So I went with no real expectations and made the team. It’ll be cool playing for a different kind of team with Jon.”

The players train weekly, traveling to tournaments on the weekends, before the Phantoms’ season begins later this spring.

“We’re pretty excited about playing this year,” said Wilkinson. “I mean, it’s not like we don’t spend enough time together. Our routine is pretty much school, soccer, hang out together, sleep. We’ll pretty much take any excuse to get together.”