When Powell River Villa player/coach Dean Thorsell posed the question of starting a women’s seven-a-side soccer league on Facebook earlier this year, more than 130 women of all ages and skill levels answered the call. The feedback was encouraging, said Thorsell.
“I was very surprised,” he added. “There was a great response.”
Together with a core organizing group comprised of Erinn Brown, Marnie Hollingsworth, Nova Cleghorn, Kyrie Mann and Kim Leach, Thorsell split the women ranging in age from 13 to their mid-60s into eight teams and scheduled games each Monday evening at Brooks Secondary School’s turf. Although the number of players fluctuates week to week, it has worked due to the casual and welcoming setup of the group.
“The numbers have dropped off since the initial response, but the ladies have made it work by playing on multiple teams,” said Thorsell. “Each week there have been four solid games, which is awesome.”
Seeing the return of women’s soccer has been exciting for many former players, and there is optimism it could evolve into something more formal.
“It’s the start of a comeback,” said Leach. “There are a lot of women who are coming out to this and it has grown in popularity. This is the start of what could be a league in the future.”
For other players, part of the appeal is the casual, drop-in nature of the games.
“It makes the atmosphere a lot more fun; it’s very friendly,” said Simona Taronna, who plays together on a team with her daughter, Noemi.
“There are a few mother daughter combinations and that’s wonderful,” she added.
The opportunity to simply come out and have fun is what has attracted many players.
“It’s not intimidating for people,” said Leah Babcock. “We have all skill levels and all fitness levels.”
Thorsell said the hope is now that the program has started it will keep going during the fair-weather months of the year.
“I would like to continue a league for two months every fall and every spring,” he said. “During the nicer weather, staying out of the muck of winter.”
To find out more, search for Powell River Women’s 7-aside Soccer on Facebook. League play continues until the end of June.
