INNISFAIL – Soccer is one of several spring sports kids can't help being overjoyed to play.
The Innisfail Minor Soccer Association began its season in early May and will continue until the end of June.
"This year our season runs from May 2 to June 25," said Courtney Ukrainetz, president of Innisfail Minor Soccer Association.
"Our association has U-5, U-7 and U-9 divisions. Our youngest players are about three years and our oldest are up to 11 years, (brought down to play in the U-9 division)," she added.
Innisfail, along with Penhold and Spruce View, is part of the Central Alberta Soccer Association (CASA), noted Ukrainetz, adding this year the association has about 178 registered soccer players.
Practices are every Tuesday and Thursday evening, with each division focusing on different areas and skill sets, she noted.
"U-5 division is more about an introduction (to soccer), learning from a coach, learning basic skills of a team and of soccer," explained Ukrainetz. "As we get older the U-7 division gets a little more technical. They start doing throw-ins, they learn a little bit more of the rules, they also have a little bit bigger team on the field at a time and longer shifts," she added.
"The U-9 division is a little more competitive, more detailed and they also have longer shifts (on the field), she said.
Ukrainetz noted the family-friendly sport is a popular one in the spring, adding it is the first year the association is at its new location, on the fields directly behind the Innisfail Curling Club.
“We were at the school (campus) and for years that worked well,” said Ukrainetz. “We had U-9 on one side of the bus loop and U-7 and U-5 on another side, so parents found it a struggle for supervision and to watch their kids' games,” she added, noting the positive feedback about the new location.
“The feedback so far from our parents is that they’re really pleased with it.”
Despite a cool start, the season has been going well, she noted.
“Our parents, kids and coaches are dedicated to soccer. It rained on Tuesday and we still had a pretty good turnout,” said Ukrainetz.
For more information on the Innisfail Minor Soccer Association go to its website at innisfailminorsoccer.com or visit its page on Facebook.
