Youth soccer ready to take to the pitch

Fort Frances Youth Soccer will get underway soon as players prepare to take to the field at the end of this month.
“Despite the turnaround in weather [last week], we are still pushing for, and are excited, about our April 28 start,” FFYS president Sarah Gould enthused.
And the kids are ready, too.
“As of now, we have about 575 registrations,” noted Gould. “Plus, members of the board are still receiving calls for late sign-ups.
“In the past, we have seen a number of kids sign up during the first week of the season, as well, so we are anticipating more to come.”
For any youngsters who may have missed the original registration period, late sign-ups still are being accepted.
“We have late registrations at Taggs,” noted Gould. “They are also being done through one of our board members, Rick Chambers.”
While the players certainly are eager to begin the season, FFYS has had some difficulty in bringing in enough coaches for the teams.
“We have had a bit of a hard time recruiting coaches,” Gould admitted. “Specifically for the older divisions, likely because of the changes from mini to full field and the additional rules, etc.”
However, the association has set up a method that may pave the way for new coaches to get involved with youth soccer.
“In hopes of making that transition easier, the FFYS board has created a package for coaches that contains ideas of weekly drills for practice time,” explained Gould.
“The board really wants to encourage the coaches to give practice time to the players prior to games to work on skill development,” she added.
“The drills [and additional materials] will be included in the coaches’ packages and will be made specific to the age group being coached—from Squirt to DIV 5.”
The FFYS also has organized a mandatory coaches meeting, which is scheduled for April 21 or April 23 (coaches can choose to attend either meeting, both of which start at 7 p.m. in the conference room at the Memorial Sports Centre).
Coaches will pick up their team lists and packages at the meeting.
In addition to coaches, the league also is looking to fill out several other positions on the sidelines.
“We are looking for a few more volunteers for field generals,” noted Gould. “Also, any interested high school students who want to be an assistant field general, assistant coach, or help out in other areas for their community hours [are welcome].”
For on-field officials, a referee clinic is being organized by Victor Sousa, the FFYS referee director. The clinic is open to both first-time and returning officials, and likely will take place at the St. Francis pitches the week before the season starts.
Anyone interested in volunteering, registering, or jumping in as an official can contact Gould at 274-2326 or Tara Redford at 274-2261.