A look in from the indoor soccer season last year for Battlefords Youth Soccer and Battlefords United FC. (Facebook/Battlefords United FC)

By Martin Martinson

Indoor season approaching

Battlefords indoor soccer programs pace for record turnout this fall

Aug 31, 2023 | 8:40 AM

As summer nears its end, the start of the indoor soccer season is fast approaching in the Battlefords.

The Battlefords Youth Soccer and Battlefords United FC (BUFC), indoor seasons will kick off at the Nationswest Field House the week of Oct. 9, following the Thanksgiving long weekend.

The youth soccer season for ages U5 and up (to U17 or U19 depending on registration numbers for the older age groups) will run for eight weeks into the start of December, while the BUFC schedule featuring teams ages U9 to U19 will run into late February and early March.

Competitive coordinator and coach with Battlefords United FC, Kat Huxley said both programs have seen an incredible turnout again this year, with a high number of older youth continuing to pursue the sport, and even more young kids getting involved from an early age.

“We currently have more registrations than we ever have before, just like we did in our outdoor program, which is phenomenal,” Huxley said enthusiastically. “That we see our program growing both on the competitive side and on the league side, we’re really, really happy with that.”

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Last season, Battlefords United FC had 132 kids register for the indoor season, a number Huxley said they’re already rapidly approaching that number, with still three weeks to go ahead of the registration deadline, Sept. 20.

Huxley credits the strong turnout again this year to the dedication of the Battlefords Youth Soccer and BUFC coaches, staff, and parent volunteers who make the game a positive and fun experience for all ages, where skill development comes first.

“I think we just provide a fun, welcoming environment both in the competitive and league programs, as well as lots of great coaches and staff that really teach them and grow and foster the love of soccer for them,” she said. “[The players] really enjoy being on the field with their teammates and their coaches.”

Battlefords Youth Soccer and BUFC are still looking for coaches and refs for the coming indoor season, with training paid for and provided by the local soccer organizations, which can provide a parent handbook with suggestions for drills and activities for the kids.

Those interested in coaching or refereeing this fall can contact the local soccer program organizers.

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Martin.Martinson@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @MartyMartyPxP1