By Susan Rohn
President Fernie Youth Soccer Association
The 2013 soccer season is nearly upon us! Over 400 soccer players from four to 18 have signed up and the Fernie Youth Soccer Association is busy organizing teams, schedules and equipment to make it all happen once again. However, there are a number of new features that are sure to improve skills and enjoyment for players and volunteers alike.
To start with, a development soccer coach has been hired for the entire season from the team that puts on the very popular summer camps. The Challenger hire is meant to be a “coach for the coaches” to help our volunteers be even more effective and enjoy their experience even more. There are also a number of coaching clinics available that parent-coaches can take part in before the season starts: they are listed on the new FYSA website.
The Challenger Coach is also available for extra skills clinics for the players. Sessions for skills such as goalkeeping, shooting and defending will be done throughout the season. With higher quality coaching and extra sessions there is sure to be some big strides in player ability in Fernie. This will look good on the new fields being built this summer.
On top of that, the City of Fernie begins the redevelopment of the Max Turyk field in June 2013 so they can be ready to play on for the 2014 season. One field will be transformed to 16,000m2 of flexible playing area that can sport a variety of soccer field layouts. With irrigation and a sand-and-tile subsurface drainage system, the fields will be more durable in our extreme weather climate.
Before all that kicks off, we have the first annual Soccer Dance on April 20 at the Community Centre. It’s a wonderful chance for all the people who participate in the beautiful game in Fernie to get together before the season and celebrate spring. There will be a DJ, live band, food and refreshments and more. To purchase tickets call Teresa at 250-423-3577.
For more information on all this and more, check out www.fernie.com/youthsoccer.