The Estevan Youth Soccer Association experienced some growth during the 2018 season.
The organization held its annual general meeting Sunday at the Estevan Public Library. President Stacy Murphy said the association had a good year in 2018, as they had an increase in registrations of about 70 kids from 135 to 205.
“That was a significant increase,” said Murphy.
Last year the association created a new age division, which was the parent and tot group for three year olds. It attracted a capacity of 24 kids for its four teams.
“We capped it at that, just to see how well it worked out, and it was very well received, so we’re going to do that age group again this year as well,” said Murphy.
The association also had under-five, seven, nine and 11 age groups, and they had to combine under-13 and under-15 age groups. It’s the age group that Murphy said they struggle to get kids registered.
Thanks to some grants that the association received, they were able to purchase new nets, goal posts and safety pads.
“We’re looking forward to being able to actually use those this year, because we just got them at the end of the season last year,” Murphy said.
The association is also hoping to have a travelling team for the under-11 division, which would create a more competitive opportunity for those kids. It’s been a number of years since Estevan had a travelling team.
The players would face top players in their age group from other communities.
“It would be in addition to our house league,” said Murphy.
They also talked about connecting with the Sask. Soccer Association to have some training for the kids in Estevan.
Other highlights from the meeting included the election of new executive members. Murphy was elected to another two-year term as president. Megan Lingelbach will be the secretary, while Patrick Sullivan and Naomi Rossen were elected to the board for two-year terms.
Financial statements solid during the past year, and Murphy said they’re in good shape.
The association hopes the local soccer season can start on April 29. It will run until the week of June 17. Teams would then be able to have their season windup.
