The Estevan Youth Soccer Association is looking for some additional coaches for the upcoming season.
The association received about 250 registrations for the 2019 season, which is a big increase from the last two years. They had a little more than 200 a year ago.
President Stacy Murphy said there are several reason why the number of kids in soccer has increased.
“I think we saw an increase because last year we piloted an under-three age group, which is where three-year-olds play on the field with their parents at the same time, so that increased our registrations a little bit,” said Murphy.
That program is continuing this year, and is resulting in a continued jump in the number of participants.
“I think there are more people coming out to try out soccer as compared to previous years.”
The association has also partnered with Free to Be, which is a program for children with disabilities through the Special Olympics. A number of kids have registered through that initiative.
The association would like to have one or two more children for each of its six age groups, which range from three-and-under, to 13-15 years old.
“We always try to match,” she said. “If there’s a child who’s playing, we match the parent to coach the child’s team. But we have had community members who don’t have any children in soccer who have volunteered in the past because they love the sport and want to see it grow. They have volunteered their time just to come out and help.”
If they don’t have enough coaches, it means the number of players on a team will be higher, and the coach to player ratio will increase. That means there will be less time for the kids to be out on the field during games.
“There will be so many kids to get out on the field, so they just won’t get as much time on the field.”
A work bee was held on Sunday at 1 p.m. at the fields, when volunteers set up the brand new nets that they received last year.
The association hopes to start its season on April 29, right after spring break.
“I think all of us on the board are excited for this season, and the growth that we’ve already seen before we’ve even hit the field.”
