By Michelle Forbes

Memories of childhood summer soccer are one of the things that remain from generation to generation. There is something wonderful about spending days outside, running in the sun, chasing a ball towards a net.

Danny Drouin, President of Kimberley Soccer Association (KSA), has been helping facilitate this opportunity for the rising generation of Kimberley’s children.

Each year, from May to June, a professionally trained coach from the White Caps Association out of Vancouver, comes to Kimberley to coach children from U4 (three-year-olds) to U14 (13-year-olds) for a house league that everyone can enjoy. All abilities and skill levels come together to learn drills, skills, and learn to work together as a team.

Monday, March 12, Kimberley Soccer Association held its registration night, but registration is still open online, and will remain open until the season starts on April 30.

In addition to the house league held in Kimberley, Cranbrook also has development teams and rep teams open to soccer enthusiasts from the area, with players from Fernie, Kimberley, and other smaller towns and cities coming together to play. Development teams are open to all abilities, whereas the rep teams are the competitive teams, which travel to tournaments and have more opportunities for training.

Each year the Kimberley Soccer Association looks for new people to join the board. Drouin says that there are several positions, including President, Vice President, Secretary, Registration Coordinators, Treasurer, and Members at Large.

Those interested in volunteering to be on the board are encouraged to give their input about ideas for the league, feedback they hear, and only need to have a couple hours a month to dedicate to this. Having volunteers with children in all the different levels allows the board to ensure they are meeting the needs of all different age groups, and keep soccer going in Kimberley.

Sponsors are still being accepted to help cover the costs of jerseys, balls, and bringing in the coach.

Spring clean up and the opening of the new washrooms are planned for the last week of April. Mike Fergus, Vice President of Kimberley Soccer Association, has been working tirelessly to procure grants to make the washrooms possible, and grants from Regional District of East Kootenay, Columbia Basin Trust and through the City of Kimberley for the 55+ Games have helped make this building possible. The building has washrooms, as well as providing shade and shelter at the field, and will have an area to be used as a concession during events held at the field, such as JulyFest and the 55+ Games.

Early registration discounts are available until March 31, and registration can be made online HERE.

For further questions, contact a representative by e-mail at [email protected].

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