Kids finding kicks with indoor soccer

The growing popularity of soccer here has spilled over into the winter months.
Given January windchills make standing outside almost unbearable, kids have moved indoors where they can scrimmage in shorts and T-shirts.
The idea of indoor soccer has taken off in cities like Thunder Bay and Winnipeg, and now has entrenched itself here in Fort Frances.
“It’s our second year and we’re getting more and more kids out,” said Mark Faragher, who helps run the informal indoor session every Monday from 6:30-8 p.m. at St. Francis School.
Faragher stressed while the kids are out for fun, many also are improving their soccer skills along the way.
“Definitely, they improve their ball-handling skills and they’re only getting better as they play in the smaller area,” he noted.
“Their techniques get sharpened up and they get better passing-wise,” he continued. “And as the kids get better, who knows, maybe we get a sort of travelling team together or increase this to twice a week with some more [volunteer] help.”
Right now, Faragher runs the program by himself, and usually has anywhere from a dozen to more than 20 kids burning off energy. But it’s not ordinary soccer they play–with goalies and nets.
Instead, the teams try to try to knock a ball off a pylon to score a point. And each kick and close play often is followed by gleeful laugh or a joke.
“The nice thing about it is it’s open to all age groups and it’s a social thing–it’s not just for boys,” Faragher said at Monday’s workout. “There’s no pressure to play soccer, either. We just boot it [the ball] around and sometimes we play basketball.”
“I do it to have fun, and because I like to play soccer and I want to be the best that I can,” said Susie Sonnasinh, 10, one of several girls out playing.
“I like to play soccer because it’s fun, and we get to play other sports and it’s good exercise,” echoed 11-year-old Jordan Miller.
And that’s the philosophy of these Monday night get-togethers, said Faragher, adding it’s one of the few recreational options (outside of hockey) for youngsters here during the winter.
“It’s good conditioning and a good workout,” he stressed. “The kids burn off a lot of energy.”
And guess what? It’s free.
“All you need is a pair of shoes, some shorts. It’s the way to go,” Faragher enthused. “It doesn’t cost a lot.”
Anyone interested in playing simply has to show up at St. Francis School on Mondays at 6:30 p.m.