Battlefords United FC U11 girls' team excelled with an undefeated record at the Lakewood Cup in Saskatoon on Feb. 2, 2025. (submitted photo/Kat Huxley)

By Kenneth Cheung

BUFC

‘A commitment to improvement’: BUFC players step up to division one at the Lakewood Cup

Feb 5, 2025 | 11:56 AM

Young soccer players from Battlefords United FC took on a major challenge this past weekend at the Lakewood “Just Kick it” Cup in Saskatoon, stepping up to Division One for the first time.

While the scoreboard may not have reflected it, Club director Kat Huxley said the real victory was the experience gained.

“Sometimes hard weekends and losses are actually wins because we can identify where we’re lacking, work through them and come back stronger,” she noted.

A step up

The club’s U11 girls’ team stood out with an undefeated record, while the U11 boys claimed two wins and a loss. Furthermore, the U13 girls, U15 boys and U17/19 boys fought hard in their Division One debuts.

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With three out of its six teams making the leap to Division One, she said the transition was no easy feat, but the players rose to the occasion.

“We knew it would be a tough challenge, but our athletes really showcased their skills,” Huxley said. “It was a big step up, and we worked on our mental game just as much as our technical abilities.”

BUFC U13 Boy’s team at the Lakewood Cup in Saskatoon on Feb. 2, 2025. (submitted photo/ Kat Huxley)

Despite the challenges, Huxley pointed out the weekends were a learning moment for the young players, setting up a stepping stone for them to push the envelope in the future.

“The biggest takeaway is that we deserve to be in Division One,” she said. “Now, we just need to train like it.”

Keep it coming

The club is already gearing up for its next game on Feb. 14. Twelve of its teams are entering the four-day Saskatoon United Soccer Club tournament.

Huxley said training will continue twice weekly, incorporating game footage analysis and team discussions to sharpen players’ skills and mindsets.

Additionally, they are preparing for three more games within the next month, including the Queen City Breakaway Tournament and the Sask Cup, both held in Regina, as well as the EWZSA Slush Cup in Edmonton, Alta.

“The long-term goal is to keep building. We are proving that we can compete with bigger cities, and we are doing it with heart, skills, and a commitment to improvement.”

BUFC coaches in a coaching information session in Saskatoon on Jan. 26, 2025, with Team Canada men’s soccer national head coach Jesse Marsch and assistant coach Mauro Biello. (submitted photo/ Kat Huxley)

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Kenneth.Cheung@pattisonmedia.com