When you already have teams practicing on fields in the approved groups of eight, literally within sight of each other, why not just take advantage of a positive situation?
And with that, the MJSA is already all set when it comes to scheduling contests beginning next week.
“Right now we’re just doing individual training because we weren’t able to play games, but it’s going to be nice to do something other than practice,” said Dannielle Donnelly with Moose Jaw Soccer. “And they’re increasing it to 150 people outside for gatherings so it’ll be exciting for the parents to come out and cheer for them again.”
It’s the latest bit of positive news for the organization, which saw an increase of around 80 players over last season even with the uncertainty surrounding the ongoing pandemic. That includes a host of youngsters in the younger age categories, signaling what could be another boom in one of the city’s most popular summer sports.
“It’s been absolutely fantastic for us,” Donnelly said.
While the lack of actual games has been less than ideal, just having a chance to get out and get some exercise after a long few months with little to do was fun itself, especially for the younger tykes -- even if wrangling was a bit of an issue.
“It’s hard to keep them from touching and jumping all over each other, they do things they’re enjoying and it’s always good, but for the most part they’ve been amazing,” Donnelly said. “We haven’t told anyone yet that they’re going to be able to play games, though, and when we do, it’ll be a whole new ball game.”
With a month of straight practice already in the books and the season usually running from May through June, the MJSA has no plans to extend the season, instead just slotting games into the remaining month of play.
The kids aren’t the only ones interested in team-on-team action either -- no sooner did the province make their announcement than the MJSA was receiving inquiries on an adult league starting up.
Planning is also coming together for the elite Celtic program, which will return after closing down earlier this year. Tryouts are expected to take place at the end of June or beginning of July with the hope of also creating a girls team as well this year.
For more information on the Celtic program, contact MJSA chairman Mike Armstrong at [email protected], and for any other information and regular updates on the season, be sure to check out their website at www.mjsa.ca as well as their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/MooseJawSoccer.
