It's setting up to be a very spring and summer season in Killarney and Recreation Director Mandy Alexander couldn't be more excited about all that is being offered, including the very popular sport of soccer.
Alexander says there's already a buzz in the air as they get closer to getting onto the pitch. "We have the highest number we've ever had," she says proudly. "We're in the range of 140 or so kids registered this year."
Getting to that big number has been a process, says Alexander. "Year after year, the numbers have been going up. This is the highest year yet and it just proves that it's a growing sport in the area."
Soccer being cost affordable makes it very appealing for families in the Westman area and that's another thing Alexander is very proud of. "We see a lot of kids registered in our soccer programs that are may not as active in the other programs that do have a higher cost and travel attached to them. Our soccer program, we work really hard to keep the price low but the quality high, so it's available to as many people as possible."
Another positive coming from the popularity, Alexander says they can offer many different age groups. "In Killarney, we have kids basically born in 2013 through to 2022. That covers Tykes, which is under four, up to U12. After U12, they move up and go to Boissevain."
Being able to provide a place where kids can learn but also providing options to move up to more competitive levels is something Alexander says is really important to keeping interest in the sport. "It's such a growing sport and it's such a healthy thing to do, so we encourage kids to come play. They get to play with their friends, they get to learn the basics and fundamentals. We do have kids that have tried out for the traveling teams in Brandon and we want to encourage them to continue past the U12 stage. We want to bring the fun but also the quality, so they can explore high options out of town."
With so many programs and ages, Alexander says the community has been so great at helping out but there are areas where they could use a boost. "We have had really great support from the community. The Killarney Kinsmen have donated all the jersey's, we also have the support of Tim Hortons as we'll be running our U4 and U6 programs as Timbits. The biggest challenge is getting coaches and referees, those volunteer positions. We understand people are busy but we are really close to having our teams set right now, but it can be a struggle every year to fill those spots."
For anyone wanting to learn about coaching, becoming a referee or simply to learn more about the soccer programs, Alexander says it's very easy to find that information. "Contact me and I can forward any information they would want. Our league, we're running a coaching clinic for all the interested coaches in Boissevain, Souris, Killarney, and Nesbitt. It's being run out of the Souris Rec Centre on April 22nd, I believe. As for referee's, there are clinics in Brandon. They're very basic. If anyone wants to referee here in Killarney, I can teach them enough to do those U8 and U10 games, they don't need to worry."