[LakesRegionSpirit]

Then my first choice would be a 70/200 f/2.8. It is really, in my opinion, the best all-around lens for that type of stuff. As long as you can get close enough to the action both on the lake and on the soccer field. Be patient, the action WILL come to you if you wait long enough,
I shot for The Citizen for four years and used both that and a 300 f/2.8 prime lens for field sports.
The 300 f/2.8 does not come cheap!
A 70-200 f/2.8 can cost upwards of $1,600.00 as well.
I would not add much importance to either Nikon's VR or to Canon's IS feature. They generally do nothing for you in shooting sports as the subject is moving.
It does help when shooting from a boat which is a very unsteady platform.