Minor soccer wraps up season

Numbers can be deceiving.
While registration numbers in the Fort Frances Minor Soccer Association declined this year, vice-president John Pierce said the drop can be attributed not so much to a lack of interest as in the hastened advancement of some of the older players.
“Overall, a lot of the young players have opted to go into the men’s and women’s leagues [in the Borderland Soccer Association],” said Pierce. “Youth soccer’s loss is adult soccer’s gain.
“You have to thank the quality of the coaches for the young players’ development that they can consider joining the Muskies or move straight into the men’s and women’s leagues,” he added.
About 575 players signed up for the eight-week minor soccer campaign, which wrapped up with a day-long tournament Saturday at the St. Francis Sportsfield.
That number is down from about 630 last year.
“I don’t think it’s a trend,” remarked Pierce. “We may very well have plateaued last year.”
Meanwhile, the warm and virtually rain-free spring did wonders for the program after battling several years of less accommodating weather.
“The last two or three years, the weather has been inclement to say the least,” noted Pierce. “Last year in eight weeks, we probably didn’t have enough good weather to add up to two weeks worth of games.
“This year was a complete 180 [degree turn].”
Pierce also was in high spirits about the burgeoning talent at the youngest levels of the association.
“The level of play in Divisions I, II, and III has increased dramatically over the last few years,” he enthused. “The players are handling the ball better and they’re reading the field better.”
As for next year, Pierce said a wish list already is on the front burner.
“We certainly would like to work towards some equipment enhancement [more balls, pylons, flags, and netting for the mini-nets],” said Pierce.
“We would also like to put on some additional coaching and refereeing seminars, and focus our efforts on improving the conditions of all the fields,” he added.