On Wednesday, Feb. 27 approximately 162 kids throughout pre-Kindergarten and grade four were introduced to soccer with the help of Chris Chisholm who works with the Saskatchewan Soccer Association.
Last year at a coaching clinic Natalie Millar, president of the Moose Mountain Soccer Club, attended this particular program was mentioned. Through further research she was able to arrange for Chisholm to come out for the day to teach youth about soccer. Chisholm's visit being sponsored by the Moose Mountain Soccer Club hoped to get youth excited about the sport.
The day was very well received by the youth who were taught about dribbling a soccer ball, how to pass the ball, and were able to partake in scrimmages before their gym period was over.
All of the youth seemed to be thoroughly enjoying their time with Chisholm and volunteer members of the Moose Mountain Soccer Club who came out to help with the clinics throughout the day.
"A lot of kids are not as active as they used to be. We try to get them active and interested in being outside," Chisholm explained.
The soccer clinic came in time to introduce youth to the sport before registration for the Moose Mountain Soccer Club. An information night and registration for soccer was held on March 6, but they will continue to register youth until April 30.
The soccer program in Carlyle had ended a number of years ago, but last year a group of approximately eight individuals came together to restart soccer in Carlyle. Last year they were open to youth from three-years-old to eight-years-old. Overall 82 youth took part last season and thoroughly enjoyed learning the game.
This year the board is hoping to open up both an under 10 team as well as an under 12 team if there is enough interest. Registration has been open since March 15 and costs a small registration fee. The fee covers the Saskatchewan Soccer Association fee and a t-shirt, participatory medal, as well as a team and individual photo, while the club uses excess money for obtaining soccer balls and other necessary coaching equipment.
Practices will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays with times to be determined based on coaches schedules. The under four-years-old group does require a parent to be present for the full practice as it is offered as a parent and tot program.
The younger kids practice twice a week and enjoy fun scrimmages with each other, while the groups of older youth will hopefully be able to play in games against other communities.
To those with Moose Mountain Soccer it is a wonderful sport for youth to take part in because all they really need are sneakers and shin pads, cleats are not necessary. It is a sport which isn't very costly and provides great exercise.
If a youth is interested in playing soccer, but finds it conflicts with baseball or other activity Moose Mountain Soccer is inquiring if there would be interest for a fall soccer season.
The club is open to all youth in the surrounding communities and for more information or to obtain a registration form contact the Moose Mountain Soccer Club at carlyle.soccer@gmail.com or (306)453-2680.
