After a year off due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Fort Frances Youth Soccer (FFYS) is running again this spring. Registration is available online as of this week and an in-person registration day is being held next week.
Kids from four to 15 can register to play, with registration running until April 1. The season is expected to begin in early May, and finish at the end of June.
Committee member Penny Hutton says soccer is a great way for kids to get outside after a long winter among other benefits.
“It keeps kids active,” Hutton said. “They get a chance to learn how to play a sport, how to get along with other kids and general sportsmanship. It’s a recreational league so it’s not competitive and it’s all co-ed.”
Canadian soccer is also enjoying a spotlight, serving as an inspiration for young players. The national women’s team struck gold at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, and Canada’s men’s team is on the verge of qualifying for the world cup finals for the first time since 1986.
Parents or guardians looking to sign up their children can log on to FFYS.goalline.ca to register. Requirements are the child’s general information as well as Health Card number, and their birth certificate to prove their age. The website offers the opportunity to upload a photo or scan of the birth certificate. If people are uncomfortable uploading a birth certificate they can stop by the in-person registration night at Sunset Country Ford on March 28, from 5:00 -7:30 p.m.
The only equipment required to play is a pair of running shoes and shin guards. Players in the U-13/U-15 division should also have soccer cleats, though they are not required for the younger age groups. Hutton said this year Beyak Automotive Group has offered to sponsor each player’s team shirt as well.
The U-5 age group costs $80 for the season while all of the other age groups cost $100. One of the advantages to the new online registration platform is that people can pay by credit card. Any families in need of financial support to get their kids on the field can access KidSport; contact the league for more information.
Players in the oldest age group who may be trying out for a high school team can contact FFYS to arrange for late registration.
The schedule is available on the FFYS Facebook page. The different age groups are scheduled Monday to Thursday evenings between 5:50 and 7:30 p.m. and all sessions will all take place at the soccer fields at St. Mary School. Each team will spend time working on drills and practicing before playing a game each session.
FFYS is also looking for coaches, assistant coaches, and youth officials. Officials will be paid as well or can receive credit for required school service hours. Anyone interested in coaching will have to pass a vulnerable sector check. Parents will be able to coach their own kids. Those interested in coaching or officiating can contact FFYS via the Facebook page or at FFYS.soccer@gmail.com.
Hutton says she and the rest of the committee are very hopeful for the upcoming season and a lot of registrations have come in already since the online portal opened on Monday.
“We’re super excited,” Hutton said. “By the end of last night (Monday night) we had 125 kids registered and I probably answered 50 messages yesterday. I think that shows that there is interest and people are really excited.”
