WEYBURN – A “new pathway” for U 15 and U17 soccer players in Weyburn to compete at a provincial level began to open up over the winter, with the goal to establish new teams for this spring to play in the Provincial Soccer League.
Over the winter, JJ Soccer, Swift Current Soccer Association, Weyburn Soccer Association and Yorkton United FC worked together to create a league for their rural players to participate and compete with one another.
The four clubs have come together in the interest of protecting the integrity of rural Saskatchewan soccer while committing to creating a framework that increases the playing experience and opportunities for players to play at the highest achievable level.
“In 2022 we are committed to entering PSL teams in U15 boys and girls and U17 boys and girls. These teams will be made up of selected players from each of the four clubs,” said a letter that went to soccer families in the four soccer associations, including Weyburn.
“This is an exciting collaboration for Weyburn Soccer,” said Tyler Hillstead, technical director for Weyburn Minor Soccer.
As part of this process, an evaluation camp was held in Weyburn on Sunday at the Credit Union Spark Centre, which included the Forge FC team comprised of players from Weyburn, Yorkton, Moose Jaw and Swift Current.
The letter noted there will be additional costs to play on this team, over and above the cost to play with their local soccer association.
“Our initial plans for expenses are based on a seven-team league, FCR (two teams), Saskatoon Alliance (two teams), QC, Astra and our team. Seven teams would be a double-round robin, equalling 12 games,” explained the letter.
“Plans are coming together nicely,” said Hillstead on Monday. “As it looks now, we should see Weyburn player represented on the teams.”
In this initial year, games will be played in Regina, Saskatoon and Yorkton, and Hillstead said, “Once we get established with the teams we will look to host games in the future.”
