Orlin Chalmers, the Technical Director for the Westman Region Soccer Association, is very excited to get going with another fun year of soccer programs.
This year is going to be special, as Chalmers says things are ramping up. "We're all very excited, we're going to be starting new programming throughout. We're looking forward to seeing how the kids develop and seeing them go home with happy faces."
As to why those new programs are even available, Chalmers traces it back to the community support for the game, but there's room to grow. "It's something that is developing and growing, but I wouldn't say we're at the pinnacle just yet."
With strong numbers come opportunities for more ages to get onto the field. "Numbers haven't settled yet, so I can't speak on that just yet," Chalmers explains. "There has been growth in some areas, while others have stayed the same as last year. One thing that has really grown is the interest in our camps. They happen all throughout the region, and on top of that, we have new programs that are in line with Canada Soccer Grassroots Programming. Those are new and exciting tools to help develop players."
Chalmers says having more available to kids at a young age will help get them to fall in love with the sport and stick with it as they get older. "You can always look for improvement in areas, and in the teen years, it's hard to attract players here and there. We're working with lunch programs, we're working with all the volunteer coaches at the schools to develop strategies and programs that help encourage them to stay within the sport. I do notice a drop off in grades 9, 10, 11 and 12. We're always trying to get players to stick with us."
As mentioned, a big thing to keep kids in those critical ages interested is a program Chalmers is very proud of. "We're floating ideas, but one idea is that lunch program. We established it last year with all the local high schools. Last year, we did the female side of it but this year, we're going to go co-ed. Most likely, we'll go bi-weekly or weekly; we don't know yet, we're still figuring out details with coaches and staff. Another one is we're introducing a local tournament at the end of summer. It's all things to engage with the kids and keep them engaged with the community."
Coaches and referees are another area Chalmers believes can be supported better. "In every area, we need to grow, that's my mindset. What we're trying to accomplish is a mentorship program within that. Again, retaining coaches and referees is always an issue. For refs, it's two-part: the heckling needs to calm down to encourage referees to stick with us, something all community members need to keep in sight. We're working hard to keep referees from the community involved."
Having the support from the community means the world to Chalmers and he believes there's great things to come for the region. "It means a lot. Since I've been here, the community volunteers are so great. I can't speak highly enough about our parent base or volunteer base. They've dedicated so many hours to growing the sport and keeping it afloat. They've done an amazing job and there's not enough applause or thank-you's I can give them. Their involvement is paramount to the programs."
Finding more information is very simple," says Chalmers. "All on our website, Westman Regional Soccer Association. Anyone can contact us directly, we're all around the community, we have banners everywhere and we promote online. There are a lot of different ways people can and I hope they do."