Soccer season is here again and the Niverville Force are ready to hit the pitch.
The Force, formed just last year, played their inaugural season in the Manitoba Major Soccer League’s third division.
“We had a really good year and won the league by having the most points during the regular season,” says coach Andry Giesbrecht. “So that was an achievement to be proud of for a new team with a very young group of guys.”
Because of the team’s success, they have moved up to the second division this season.
“The competition is tougher, but we wouldn’t have it any other way,” Giesbrecht says. “For us to be able to challenge ourselves to be the best we can is all we try to do.”
Giesbrecht notes that there have been a few roster changes since last year. The team has added some high quality players.
“The goal this year,” he says, “is to be competitive and stay in division two for next year.”
The 2022 season, already underway, started off with a bang as the Force defeated the Hanover Sting 3–0 in Steinbach. Their second game, and home opener, was just as impressive with a 3–1 win against the Bonivital Flames II.
“We want people to know that we are a competitive men’s team striving to become a top-tier team and compete at the highest level in Manitoba in the next few years,” says Giesbrecht. “Our team is very young and any players who think they could play at this level and help us grow should get in touch with us for next season. We are always looking to improve the squad each year.”
The Force is made up of mostly local players and Giesbrecht says it is very important to management that the team represents Niverville and the surrounding area.
“We hope that in the future, young players that are currently in youth soccer come through the ranks and become future Niverville Force players.”
The Force is co-owned by Giesbrecht and local soccer enthusiast Sue Thompson, who also serves as team manager.
Thompson adds that the entire team was thrilled with the level of support the Force received from the community in their first season. The team’s home games are played at Hespeler Park.
Last year, their home games averaged 150 spectators.
Giesbrecht says that anyone who is interested in watching the Force, or joining the team, should follow them on social media for more information.
Remaining home games this season will be held on June 20, July 6, July 19, August 2, August 9, September 10, and September 17.
