Hike up your shin pads, because the soccer season has begun for the Sundre Soccer Club.
Five competitive teams, starting at the U-8 level and up to the U-16 level, started practising earlier this month, says Lauren Norsworthy, Sundre Soccer Club president.
Fun teams are still open for registration, but she is prepared for about 10 teams.
ìIt's a very minimal time commitment for the amount of benefit that the kids get out of it,î she said.
Competitive teams practise twice a week and fun teams practise once a week.
ìMost of it is running, it's great for their endurance, it's great for team play and it's great for teaching kids coordination,î she said.
ìEverything from how to be a good sport to how to lose properly, how to win properly, I think these are all things that are important for kids to learn.î
The season runs generally from April to June and all teams are mixed this year.
Games for the competitive teams start next month and will cover the Central Alberta area. Fun teams begin practices later this month.
Norsworthy is serving on the club board as president for the first time, as the past president stepped down after serving in the role for at least five years.
However, Norsworthy did serve as secretary last year and enjoyed being involved with the club.
ìI think it's important as a parent to be involved with whatever activities your children decide to do,î she said.
ìIf I can help make things go smoother and help give my kids more opportunity, or their friends or other children, then I will.î
She said she is looking forward to starting the games next month and is hopeful that the U-16 team will make provincials.
ìI would like to make sure that everybody ñ fun team and competitive ñ gets the most out of their year with the Sundre soccer club,î she said.
She is looking forward to warmer weather so the teams can start playing outside.
ìWe have a really great group this year and I'm happy with the way things are going for my first year as president,î she said.
ìI have a great group of volunteers that are helping me out and the past president has been helpful too,î she added.
ìI hope that everybody enjoys the season.î
