Staff
Fort Frances Youth Soccer wants young people to come out and have a ball this spring.
Registration for the 2015 season will run this Tuesday and Wednesday (March 10-11) from 6-8 p.m. at the Memorial Sports Centre.
The organization drew about 350 players last year and is setting its goals modestly for this season.
“We’re hoping for 400, at least,” said FFYS vice-president Ben Hands.
“Then, from those numbers, we can assign coaches to each division.”
FFYS adopted a policy last year where, regardless of the number of players who signed up in each age bracket, there only would be as many teams as there were available coaches.
“We encourage anyone who wants to coach to sign up,” Hands urged.
“We would love their assistance.”
Registration numbers have stayed fairly strong from the Squirt division all the way up through Division 3.
It’s the two oldest age groups that have seen a steep decline in recent years.
“Last year, we only had two Division 5 teams and we certainly hope to get more kids out this time,” noted Hands.
“In Division 4, we only had four teams and we’re hoping for at least that same amount.”
Fees in all divisions will be higher this year due to a decision by the FFYS board of directors to purchase official jerseys, shorts, and socks for all players.
“Last year, we had problems getting everyone’s jerseys in on time,” Hands explained.
“We wanted to make sure we purchased them early enough so that we had them for everyone.”
Some parents already have voiced concerns about being obligated to buy the full uniform.
They claim the chilly weather, which normally accompanies the first part of the youth soccer season, will mean having to cover up the uniform with warmer clothes so their children can play.
“Lower registration numbers are possible because we raised the fees,” Hands admitted.
“But we want to try and be more in line with other sports like hockey, where everyone has a set uniform,” he said.
Hands has a simple message for local youth as to why they should look at taking a kick at soccer this year.
“It’s a good way to get out and enjoy yourself,” he remarked.
“I know a lot of parents are busy with their kids with hockey all season and are tired of travelling with the kids everywhere,” he added.
“But we really encourage the kids to get out and have some fun.”
