We may be in the middle of another cold Manitoba winter, but the Niverville Soccer Club (NSC) is already gearing up for another season.
NSC is a youth soccer program that aims to provide a fun introduction to soccer for the young people of Niverville. Last year, more than 350 kids played in the club and at least as many are anticipated to join this year. Games and practices take place weeknights during the months of May and June.
Players in the U7 and U9 age groups (kids born in 2014 to 2017) play mini-soccer, a non-competitive version of the game that requires no travelling to other towns. The kids participate in activities that introduce them to the rules and skills involved in the game.
Youth soccer, U11 to U18, is for those born between 2005 and 2013. This is the more traditional style of competitive play and does involve travelling to neighbouring towns for regular matches.
Registration for the Niverville Soccer Club starts on February 1 and the season usually starts the first week of May, depending on the weather.
Jenn Hyde, the organization’s president and treasurer, says that NSC is always looking for coaches. The club encourages parents to get involved with the teams whether that be as coaches, assistants, or even snack providers.
The club will also need referees for the upcoming season. Reffing for the club is a paid position available to adults or teens born in 2009 or later.
Sue Thompson, a current NSC board member, invites anyone to apply to be a referee. She says that refs are given free training, need only have a basic grasp of the game, and will be utilized a maximum of two times per week.
Thompson points out that even a person with a background in hockey can referee a soccer game.
“Last year we had a hockey player that [reffed for us],” says Thompson. “She had never played soccer, but the two sports are actually quite similar.”
NSC’s Doug Zapp has stepped down from the board after more than 15 years. In the past, Zapp has served as president, treasurer, registrar, referee-in-chief, and generally helped keep the club together.
Thompson is starting her sixth year on the board and will be helping the new board with referees and equipment this year with the intention of diminishing her responsibilities next year.
