Four years ago a few parents were looking for an activity for their kids to take part in during the spring months. It used to be that there was just baseball, but now kids have options including soccer. They can play both or choose to play one or the other.
Last year Moose Mountain Soccer was able to include its first ever U12 team and it doesn’t look like this age group will disappear anytime soon with youth now moving through the ranks up from U6 and sticking with the sport, thereby growing the club as they become older players.
It was a cool, blustery day, but that didn’t stop local soccer teams from coming together on Saturday, May 30, in Carlyle for the annual Moose Mountain Soccer Day.
Teams from Carlyle, Oxbow, Redvers, Wawota, and Stoughton were out to enjoy friendly competition and a day of soccer.
Teams ranged from U6, U8, U10, and U12 with numerous teams in each category. Carlyle has four U6 teams (this was their first chance to play teams outside of their league in a “real game”), Oxbow brought one, and Stoughton brought one. For U8 Carlyle had two teams, Oxbow brought one, Redvers had one team out in this category, and Stoughton also brought a team. Each town brought out a U10 team. U12s included teams from Oxbow, Carlyle, Redvers, and Stoughton.
“Stoughton is a new club this year,” Natalie Miller, President of the Moose Mountain Soccer Club, explained. “It’s great to see soccer growing in the area and although this year Stoughton had their games on different days than us but they’re interested in joining our league next year.”
For the Moose Mountain Club based out of Carlyle, Miller added, “It’s really nice to see these kids stick with it, the ones who started out in U6 that are now moving up and playing in U10.”
This is very satisfying for those running the club who get to watch kids continue to have fun and develop throughout the years, sticking with something they love.
“Soccer continues to grow in the Moose Mountain Soccer Club, this year we have 118 youth registered to play which is our largest year to date!” Miller exclaimed. “This season we are able to have a complete Under 12 team which is a big accomplishment for us, last year we had some younger youth playing up to combine and have a full team. Our numbers are very large for the Under 8 age range therefore we split into two teams this year to allow more manageable group sizes and more playing time for the players.”
“As well our Under 6 teams are going strong with four different teams that practice and play games against each other and our Under 4 have two teams that have a lot of fun learning about the sport.”
Although the day was cool, those attending were bundled up watching from the sidelines as the kids playing kept warm running up and down the field.
The day began at 9 a.m. and games lasted until 2 p.m., with numerous games taking place at the same time.
“We are very fortunate to have the large soccer field that we do have, which allows all of our age groups to play on the same field,” Miller explained.
Canadian Energy Services ran the concession, donating their time and food, which allowed the Moose Mountain Soccer Club to focus on keeping the day on track. With Canadian Energy Services willingness to help the lunch turned into a small fundraiser for the Moose Mountain Soccer Club as well.
“We continue to have amazing support from the community and local businesses, a strong volunteer board and great coaches which all combined makes for a successful club of which we are so thankful!” Miller stated.
Miller invites people to check out their website moosemountainsoccer.ca or find them on Facebook – Moose Mountain Soccer - for more information about the club.
