(File photo/paNOW Staff)

By Jeff D’Andrea

Getting back on the pitch

PAYSA grateful to have games this year, look forward to normal times ahead

Jul 6, 2021 | 1:55 PM

It was very much in doubt whether or not the Prince Albert Youth Soccer Association (PAYSA) was able to actually hit the field with competitive games this summer.

Like most sports in the province, both indoor and outdoor soccer teams were limited to eight-player practices— complete with masks and social distancing. PAYSA technical director Dragan Ivkovic said that period was “extremely boring for the kids” and was difficult to organize.

But PAYSA’s season didn’t end this year without some games, including some friendly matches against teams from Warman, North Battleford, and Saskatoon Lakewood. The friendlies were played on Prince Albert’s newest two outdoor soccer fields in June, including a special Club Day on June 27.

“Trust me, it was so successful. We had substantial feedback coming back from the parents, everybody was so happy to have games,” Ivkovic said. “I think the last time our competitive teams played was February 2020. That’s 16 months with no competitive soccer games. It was so long—so long.”

Ivkovic said everything should be back to normal by the fall when the indoor soccer season will begin starting in September and run until the spring. Just being able to get back on the pitch and give the local soccer community a small preview of the future is big for the club and all its members.

Freedom and Flexibility

How App-Based Work Creates Economic Opportunity

Dec 12, 2025

Riderville

Now for the Hard Part

Dec 10, 2025

Seniors Scene

Christmas is Coming

Dec 09, 2025

“This is the best way to end the season, giving hope to the people and the parents that we are coming back as normal,” Ivkovic said. “PAYSA is the biggest soccer club in the province and this pandemic was difficult for us in every aspect, in the numbers, financially, and everything. I just hope with being able to have a normal season starting in September, I think we can be again the biggest club in the province.”

Every sport has gone through difficult times in one way or another, but Ivkovic wanted to offer his “huge thanks to all soccer families for being so patient with our organization and helping us go through these tough times.

“It was so hard following all the requirements, all the restrictions, all the bubbles, everything,” added Ivkovic. “But somehow, we got through all of this together.”

–

Jeff.dandrea@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @jeff_paNOW