Youth soccer hoping for more players this season

With spring just around the corner, many parents are looking ahead to the end of April and the beginning of the Fort Frances Youth Soccer season.
Registration began Monday evening and will continue tonight from 6-8 p.m. at the Memorial Sports Centre.
By all accounts, youth soccer should be just as popular as it was last year, if not more so, when they broke every local record for participation.
“Registration last year was the highest in history,” said FFYS president Sarah Gould. “And we’re seeing a lot of repeat faces already this year.”
That increase came, in large part, thanks to a new division—the “Squirts.”
Prior to last season, kids could get involved with soccer starting at age five, but as Gould saw her own four-year-old excited about playing, she toyed with the idea of extending play to a younger crowd.
“Squirts” was born and registration took a jump.
The Squirts program is back this year, which means youths aged four-15 are able to participate.
“Last year we had 650 . . . maybe 700 kids,” recalled Rick Chambers, one of the many volunteers on hand at the registration table Monday night. “It was a record year and we should break that this season.”
As for the reasons for soccer success in Fort Frances?
“It’s a well-liked sport,” remarked Chambers. “It’s affordable, and anyone can play.”
Gould was optimistic about the program and with how things are looking for this year. “We’ve been busy already,” she noted. “And this is only the first night.”
Gould got involved with soccer in Fort Frances more than 10 years ago when she began volunteering as a coach and referee as a teenager.
Since returning to town a number of years ago, Gould has been active on the FFYS board of directors and has enjoyed watching her own family take part.
The league will run from April 28-June 21 this year. And, as always, it is looking to fill a number of volunteer positions.
“Please consider helping as a coach, assistant coach, referee, or field general,” said Gould.
Even those with no soccer experience are encouraged to lend a hand.
“You do not need to be a soccer buff to help out; in fact, there is no experience needed!” she added.