Staff
It’s unorthodox but it’s better than nothing.
So goes the thinking of the Borderland Soccer League, which announced this week it will go ahead with a two-team women’s division this season that will play every Monday evening.
A best-of-three final then will be held in August to determine a league champ between the La Place Rendez-Vous/Taggs and Al’s Racquet Stringing.
A lack of registrants had put the women’s season in jeopardy.
But league president Chris Sinclair and the rest of the executive board were satisfied there were enough players on board as of Sunday’s deadline to move forward.
“We have split everyone who has registered into two what we believe to be equal teams,” noted Sinclair.
“Each team has about 20 players, which should make for good competition each night.”
Players still are welcome to sign up, with Sinclair saying new registrants will be accepted until July 13.
Meanwhile, temporary player permits will be available for any visiting players for up to four games during the season.
Because of the shorter schedule, the registration fee for the women’s division is being reduced from the original $100 to $75, with those who already have paid the first amount slated to get a $25 refund.
“We are very pleased that we are able to run somewhat of a league, but obviously upset about the numbers,” Sinclair admitted.
He added it was a shame there isn’t more interest, but understands the situation due to the popularity of other local sports such as fastball and the soon-to-be-completed new tennis courts.
“I just hope everyone who is signed up enjoys what we are doing this year,” Sinclair remarked.
“I think it’s going to make for very competitive games,” he predicted.
“Hopefully, we get a few more [players] and see the women back up to three teams in the future.”
Women’s league veteran Sara Kellar from Al’s believed the league did the best it could considering the circumstances.
“I know that there are people who are disappointed with the way that things worked out,” she remarked.
“But it does provide the league with the chance to shake things up and try to keep the teams a little bit more equal.
“This would be a good year for ladies who have always been curious about playing with the league, but were worried about it, to get involved via a temporary player permit,” she added.
Kellar also suggested Fort Frances perhaps host a tournament, as Kenora does each year, to try and encourage more participation in the sport.
The men’s division once again will feature four teams, who will take to the pitch on varying nights between Monday and Thursday.
An exhibition night will be held tomorrow, with the season set to get underway next Monday in both divisions.
