With snow still covering the ground and skates still gliding across hockey arenas, most people are not thinking about the grassy fields of soccer season. However, registration for the 2016 Castlegar Minor Soccer season has already begun.
Organizers want to encourage players and volunteers to register early so plans for teams and coaching clinics can be made as soon as possible. The early bird discount deadline is Feb. 28, after that the price will go up by $40.
Players born in 2012 and 2013 must register through the Castlegar Complex, all other players can register online through castlegarsoccer.com or by clicking on the link at the top of the Castlegar News home page. U4 mini soccer will cost $40, U6-U10 is $85 and U11-U18 is $125.
Volunteers including coaches and assistant coaches can also register online. “One of the reasons we want people to register early is because its hard to have a coaching session when you don’t know who the coaches are,” said Dave Grantham, Castlegar Minors Soccer association president.
The increase in price for the older kids is due to the fact that players are going to be supplied with a kit this year that they will get to keep including a jersey, shorts and socks.
Grantham is excited about the upcoming season and some of the changes taking place. In partnership with Kootenay South Soccer they are contracting with the Whitecaps to provide player development clinics, coaching clinics and a mini world cup for U10 players. “The biggest excitement is the kids in youth soccer getting their own jerseys and the Whitecaps, said Grantham. “Having professional coaches there to engage with us personally, will make a big difference.”