Registrations saw a large increase this year, with some of the best numbers the local youth soccer program has seen in recent years. (Submitted photo/Raelynn Gilroyed)

By Martin Martinson

On the pitch

Meadow Lake youth soccer sees strong growth this year

May 5, 2022 | 4:01 PM

Nothing says spring like the start of minor soccer season under blue skies in the community.

With over 270 kids registered with Meadow Lake and District Youth Soccer Association, the program has seen its enrollment not only eclipse the 115 from last year, but exceed even pre-pandemic numbers from recent years.

President, Raelynn Gilroyed said it’s been a real positive sight to see so many in the community coming out to take part in the sport.

“It’s really been nice to see soccer coming alive again in Meadow Lake,” she said. “It maybe wore off a little bit there for a few years, and it’s nice to see it getting pieced back together and the community come together with people that are donating their time to volunteer and coach.”

Some members of the U18 Borreals team pictured here with a trophy from one of their community games this year. (Submitted photo/Raelynn Gilroyed)

Title on the line

Championship weekend looming as Predators seek third straight title

35m ago

Former Ice Wolf, Mustang

Schneider named head coach of Kindersley Klippers

12h ago

Landfill decommissioning

Landfill decommissioning work continues in Melfort

13h ago

Gilroyed said the enrollment boom comes after a lot of hard work to introduce new and challenging programs for the youth, including their recently-implemented U18 competitive program, the Meadow Lake Boreals, established in 2021.

“Last year we did a revamping of the program and we’re looking towards really having a great grassroots league for these kids,” she said, adding that they intend to continue to build on the program and refine it as membership grows in the coming years.

Currently featuring 27 players, the U18 Boreals are currently constructed as a co-ed team that will compete together for community games and activities, but divide to see their nine girls join members of the Battlefords’ competitive U17 team for sanctioned and provincial tournaments this year, while the boys will compete together as their own group.

Locally, the team will continue to compete as a single unit in ‘community games,’ an idea brought about last year, as a way to make the most of their situation with the pandemic and offer competition for the players.

“It started last year when due to COVID, there wasn’t anything for tournaments, so we decided to create a community games,” Gilroyed said. “The kids can challenge emergency services, the local gyms, teachers, and community organizations to these games, and it’s something that’s gone really well.”

The Boreals will return to action for their next community game, against members of the local emergency services including the Fire Department, Search and Rescue, Conservation Officers and RCMP. That game will take place May 11 from 7-9 p.m. at the Jonas Field.

—

Martin.Martinson@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @MartyMartyPxP1