With autumn upon us, Nelson Youth Soccer will soon begin the indoor soccer season.
The early bird registration deadline of Sept. 30 is fast approaching and executive director Sveta Tisma wants to let people know about a couple new programs that will run alongside regular league favourites.
“The programs are designed to cater to every age and skill so there is something for everyone to enjoy,” said Tisma.
With 18 different programs offered by Nelson Youth Soccer, Tisma highlighted three new programs.
Youth leagues
Youth player development has been revised to cater to house players ages 9, 10, and 11 who want to improve their skills to play rep soccer.
Previously known as rep development, it is now open to a wider range of children — as long as they want to improve their skills and are committed to its 20 sessions.
The first 10-week session runs Oct. 13 to Dec. 22. The second 10-week session starts up again in the new year from Jan. 4 to March 13, ending in time for spring break. The program runs Fridays from 4 to 5:30 p.m. for U11 girls and 5:30 to 7 p.m. for U11 boys.
There are extensive opportunities for youth from 4 to 14. (All ages are based on 2016.)
For the wee ones there are the 4-5 and 6-7 minis on Saturday morning, which have a maximum size of 24 children per session.
During the week, youth house leagues are offered for kids aged 8-9, 10-11, 12-13, and 14-15, mixed gender. Sessions run at a maximum of 72 children per session. Tisma said it’s optional for youth to sign up for the fall or winter session but it’s more economical to sign up for both at once.
Adult leagues
Another new program is co-ed open drop-in soccer every Sunday night from 6 to 7 p.m. Open to all the players turning 16 and up, this is the opportunity for youth to play. (If you’re turning 16 in 2016, then you can play.) As a league, they are looking to fill spaces of six 12-person teams.
“It’s a fun, mellow league,” Tisma said. “If you want to bring family members — siblings, father, mother — we’re welcoming everyone regardless of skill. If you want to play with your family, it’s great.”
New as well is co-ed masters drop-in on Sunday nights from 7 to 8 p.m., which is for women turning 30 and men turning 35 or older in 2016. Pre-register to save money at a cost $105 (GST included) or $10 for drop-in. Registered athletes have priority over drop-in players.
To learn more or register online, visit nys.ca or drop by the Nelson Indoor Soccer facility Monday to Thursday from 2 to 4 p.m. at 308 Cedar St.
