ESTEVAN — Estevan Youth Soccer wrapped up a successful 2023 season with an increase of 90 kids joining soccer, totalling 360 kids that participated from parent-tot to U13/U15 leagues.
Throughout this summer, the EYS has continued the Free To Be soccer program where kids with disabilities can safely enjoy the sport.
For the first time in a long time, a soccer tournament was held in Estevan in early June.
"It was the first time a tournament was held in the Energy City for quite some time, long enough that standing board members are unsure of when the last tournament was held," said the EYS vice-president Jordan Isbister.
Estevan was only able to host a U13/U15 age group with Stoughton winning the tournament and Estevan being the runners-up.
"The EYS board is looking forward to building the soccer tournament next year and forward," Isbister said.
Estevan also had two travelling teams competing in friendly matches and weekend tournaments in southeast Saskatchewan.
"The U13/U15 and U11 squads showed tremendous growth throughout the season and had many successful games against teams with more competitive experience," Isbister said. "EYS is looking to build on the travelling team's successes this year into next year."
The organization also received a financial boost from a local business upon the wrap-up of the season.
On Aug. 16, Kingston Midstream presented the organization's president Stacy Murphy and Isbister with a cheque to go towards the upgrades to their building at Cactus Park.
"On behalf of Kingston Midstream, we are pleased to present a donation of $16,974 to Estevan Youth Soccer for a new cement foundation, Phase 1 of their building upgrade," said Dena Bachorcik, public awareness and community investment co-ordinator with Kingston Midstream."Community investment is a priority for Kingston Midstream. We believe in supporting non-profit organizations, charities and community initiatives in the communities in which we live and operate. As part of our commitment to communities, Kingston Midstream provides funding opportunities three times a year through a Richardson Foundation."
Isbister updated those present on their plans.
"EYS is planning to renovate the soccer building down at Cactus Park, which will include a canteen area. The upgrades and canteen development will help further grow the sport of soccer in Estevan … The funds will go towards replacing and stabilizing the cement flooring," Isbister said.
Bachorcik also noted that their funding opportunities are open to any local non-profits. For information regarding funding requests and applications, people can visit the Community Investment page on their website, kingstonmidstream.com, or reach out to Bachorcik at 306-636-7242 or by email at [email protected].
