The new Penhold Minor Soccer Association is hoping for a repeat of soccer success in town.
“We have an association formed and now we are looking for volunteers in the community,” said Melanie Willerth, community program coordinator with the town. “Last year was the first year they held minor soccer in Penhold. “There was a great interest in soccer last year. The community came out and thought it was a great activity for their children,” added Willerth. “They learned some skills and made some friends. We have lots of people looking forward to it again this year.”
The official association that was formed last season joined with the Central Alberta Soccer Association, noted Willerth, who added she and fellow community program coordinator Hayley de Beaudrap will be managing this year's group.
“We had a lot of kids out last year,” said Willerth, noting the good response for mixed teams. “We had teams from U-4 to U-12 with both boys and girls.”
Soccer season runs from the beginning of May until the middle of June. Willerth said the program was run by Joanne Buchanan last season with help from volunteer coaches.
“Registration through the Central Alberta Soccer Association has already started in many communities,” said Willerth, adding there is a training period for the association's coaches. “We can get them properly trained and ready to coach.
“We're not going to start the season until May 2 but we are already looking for volunteers for our board of directors as well as volunteer coaches, so they are prepared when May arrives,” she added.
Local residents wishing to volunteer as a coach do not need any prior experience, said Willerth.
The Penhold Minor Soccer Association is holding an early bird registration night on March 16 from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.
“It's also a meeting where we're hoping to form the board of directors that night as well,” said Willerth, adding that early bird registration entitles families to a $15 discount on registration fees.
Online registration begins the following day on March 17 through the town of Penhold website, www.townofpenhold.ca
A total of six teams was formed last year with the soccer association and there is hope for similar numbers this year, said Willerth, noting the season will take place at one of Penhold's outdoor fields.
Those wishing to volunteer can contact Willerth or de Beaudrap at the Town of Penhold, [email protected] or [email protected] or by calling 403-886-4567.
Melanie Willerth
"There was a great interest in soccer last year. The community came out and thought it was a great activity for their children."
