September’s here and that means youth soccer is starting. New players, coaches and district managers are on the wish list of Powell River Youth Soccer Association (PRYSA).
From mini-soccer to the under-17 teams, there is fun on the pitch for both boys and girls of all ages. PRYSA is kicking off its season with a seven-a-side tournament for players in the under-12 teams on September 8 in Larry Gouthro Park on Manson Avenue.
“Our focus is on having fun,” said Heather Banks, board member for PRYSA. “The kids get lots of exercise and learn about being a part of a team.”
With approximately 30 teams playing this fall, the association needs volunteer coaches and district managers.
Parents or grandparents who are new to coaching need not worry, said Banks. The association has experience helping new coaches adjust.
“We have clinics every year to help teach coaches how to coach and improve the players’ soccer skills with drills,” Banks said. The soccer association can pair up new coaches with more experienced coaches.
Banks also encouraged people who have gone through the system as children to think about volunteering as a way to give back.
“The kids would think that’s amazing,” she said.
Coaching youth soccer is a Saturday morning commitment, but Banks mentioned that it’s flexible and coaches can work together. “Don’t think you can’t because you’re not free every Saturday morning,” she said.
If coaching is not quite what a person wishes to do, the association is also looking for district managers. District managers look after the administrative work for four or five teams, making sure that each player has a jersey to wear and contacting parents about scheduling and location of games.
The association provides team jerseys for players, but parents need to provide socks, shorts, shin pads and soccer cleats.
The registration fee for children under 13 this season is now $110 and $130 for the teens. Families can get a $10-discount off the second registration fee for registering brothers and sisters.
For more information about the association, how to register players or volunteer to coach, interested readers can visit its website: http://prysaweb.soccerregistrar.com/home.php.
