Applicable communities are currently accepting registrations for volunteers and athletes. (File photo/meadowakeNOW Staff)

By Elliott Knopp

Indigenous Soccer

Youth soccer programs “in the works” for Flying Dust, Waterhen Lake First Nations

Apr 1, 2021 | 5:22 PM

After securing some additional funding and resources, Waterhen Lake First Nations and Flying Dust First Nations are working to launch community soccer programs.

After receiving a $6,000 grant for Indigenous communities from Sask Lotteries, the Meadow Lake and District Youth Soccer Association used the funding to supply both communities with various soccer equipment. Each reserve is receiving various supplies ranging from nets and balls to first aid kits, drill cones and referee attire.

Raelynn Gilroyed, President of the Meadow Lake and District Youth Soccer Association, believes having soccer programs in each of the close-knit communities could lead to better relationships and more recreational opportunities.

“It’ll be nice once we both get established. We can have tournaments between Meadow Lake and the surrounding First Nations communities,” Gilroyed said. “We can unite and have something to look forward to. I don’t think I’ve seen a soccer tournament here in years, since I was young. It would definitely be something awesome in the community and see that we’re establishing relationships.”

Flying Dust First Nation’s youth supervisor Ashley Roy said the soccer program has begun taking in registrations for players and volunteers. The field of play is expected to occupy the field in the middle of the tracks at Kopahawakenum School. Age groups for registration are split between children seven to nine, preteens between 10-13 and teenagers from 14-18. Roy added the program could expand to allow more age groups if the interest is there.

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Waterhen Lake’s program is still in its development stage, but recreation director Jon Mirasty stated the interest is prevalent in the community and that the board is eager to get things up and running.

“We do want to move forward. I know that we have a lot of youth in soccer, and I think this is a great opportunity. With the way the pandemic has been going, we want to try to get back to normalcy and give the kids something to do,” Mirasty commented.

Registrations to play or volunteer can be submitted via phone to Roy at (306) 240-5223 or Mirasty at (306) 304-0485.

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Elliott.Knopp@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @ElliottKnopp