Fun in the sun - and on the field - is underway with soccer season in the Battlefords. (Submitted photos/Kat Huxley)

By Martin Martinson

Soccer season started

Battlefords youth soccer programs kick off in community

May 12, 2021 | 5:08 PM

The Battlefords Youth Soccer program and Battlefords United Football Club (BUFC) have kicked off their spring seasons in the community.

Head coach and competitive coordinator with BUFC, Kat Huxley said it’s been a great turnout again this year registration-wise, with many new players getting involved in the sport.

“We actually had to close our registration to accommodate the COVID-19 restrictions and make sure we’re keeping everyone safe because we filled up,” Huxley said.

“It’s both awesome and a bit unfortunate we [maxed out on numbers] the way we did, but we’ve had a lot of new U5’s which is where we usually see a lot of new athletes, which is really great.”

With many of the same COVID protocols in place from last year’s spring season, the teams have been unable to begin playing games. They are focusing instead on purely skill development through practices, as was the case last year.

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However, Huxley did say they remain hopeful they may be able to begin gameplay later in the season, adding that until then, it’s just been great to see the kids back on the field and making the most of it.

“As the weather gets nicer nobody wants to be stuck inside, or secluded from their family and friends, so it’s great to have all of our athletes out there playing, meeting some new people, and seeing old friends,” she said. “Especially as some of our kids have been doing school from home, I’ve just seen so many smiles and so much laughter, it’s been amazing.”

Local business owner helps make season possible

Executive Director of Battlefords Youth Soccer Inc. (BYSI), Kelly Villeneuve said the association is grateful for the ongoing support of the community, and in particular, local business owner, Daryl Wright for his efforts in helping them host a season this year.

Anna Harrington of the U11s (white jersey) and Eve Harrington of the U13s (black jersey), pictured here with Daryl Wright, who helped the local soccer program get back on the field this spring. (Submitted photo/Kelly Villeneuve)

Wright’s company, Seed 2 Leaf Environmental Consulting, sponsored the older youth soccer age groups, including the U9’s, U11’s, U13’s, and U15/17’s.

“We did not have soccer last year and it hurt us financially. so he stepped up and helped us out this year,” Villeneuve said. “Normally we do not seek out sponsors so it was nice he approached us with his generosity, and we really appreciate it.”

The soccer season began the first week of May and will run to the end of June.

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Martin.Martinson@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @MartyMartyPxP1