As the snow continues to melt and the temperatures rise, soccer fields in Portage la Prairie will soon be buzzing with excited children of all ages. Brittany Boschman, board member and level convener for The Portage Youth Soccer Association (PYSA) is excited for the season ahead.
“Registrations have been going good so far,” Boschman notes. “We have 834 kids registered which is slightly down compared to last year when we had 851 kids. However, that's due to Sandy Bay not having a team this year, so I would say our numbers are up."
In recent years PYSA has found it difficult to secure volunteers for vital roles, such as the board which Boschman says is crucial for the league’s operation.
"Last year, we had four board members for almost 1,000 kids, which can be tough. We are looking for more and it's important because without those board members, we can't have a soccer program here in Portage la Prairie,” she stresses.
Additionally, PYSA needs coaches, especially for the younger teams.
“Coaches seem to be a struggle every single year for us! Volunteers can be hard to find, but it’s only for about a month/ a month and a half out of your year.
PYSA says parents can make a significant impact without needing extensive coaching experience. The focus, especially for younger teams, is on having fun and developing soccer skills. This makes it an accessible and rewarding opportunity for anyone willing to step up.
The association is also struggling with a shortage of referees, particularly for the older age groups such as U15 and U19 who are unable to play without one present. Boschman explains that while they have youth volunteers for this role, they are hoping for some adults to mentor and help the younger referees along the way.
Despite these challenges, Boschman, and the association, remain optimistic about the season ahead.
“We're hoping if the weather holds out and we don't get any crazy rain or snowstorms, we could start this season on May 5th.”
For those interested in coaching or refereeing, Boschman encourages parents and community members to get involved. For those already signed up for the 2025 season, PYSA will send out emails shortly with team information.
“If your team has a coach, you will receive an e-mail with your coach's name. If not, you'll receive another e-mail stating that we are still searching for one and need volunteers.”
Though the registration period officially ended on March 31st, late registrations are still possible, albeit with a late fee. With continued support from the community, the Portage Youth Soccer Association hopes to deliver another successful season for the children of Portage la Prairie.
“We're just looking forward to having kids be involved. We love the Portage Youth Soccer Association!”