Neepawa soccer registration numbers up from a year ago

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Published on Tuesday, May 21, 2013

By: Lanny Stewart

myWestman.ca

The sport of soccer is continuing to grow in Neepawa.

The Neepawa United Soccer Association held its registration recently, which showed an increase in overall participation from a year ago. The soccer season, which is already underway in Neepawa, consists of 12 house league teams (ages three to eight) as well as three competitive travelling teams (ages 10 and under, one girls squad, two boys clubs).



"Soccer is one of those sports where basically anyone can pick up and play because it is so reasonably priced," said Kim Smith, president of NUSA. "There are lots of low-income families who are able to take advantage of soccer."



Last year was the first time in a number of years that Neepawa had a travelling youth competitive team. Smith says that played a big part in more youths signing up to play this year mainly because it provided an option for parents in Neepawa. Prior to last year, parents had to travel to Minnedosa or other towns to have their kids be a part of a travelling competitive soccer team.



"We're hoping next year, we can just continue to build and hopefully have more competitive teams," Smith said.

Smith says it was just a few years ago when NUSA considered folding due to not enough volunteers and players. She says that's changed as the sport of soccer in the area is becoming more popular.

"People are starting to pay more attention and are wanting to do it," she said.

Smith says a high number of volunteers this year are coming from Neepawa Collegiate, who are helping coach the younger teams. 

The soccer season in Neepawa wraps up the end of June.

Men's senior soccer returns to Neepawa

There will be two Neepawa-based senior soccer teams this year -- one men's team and one women's squad. Neepawa had a women's team last year, but has not had a men's senior team since 2011.



"We're quite excited about it," said Smith regarding more senior teams in the area. "It gains more interest in the sport."

The men's team, which is known by soccer fans in the area as the Neepawa Bullets FC (team name could change), will be coached by Daryl Critchlow, while the women's team (Neepawa Storm) will be led by Kaiten Critchlow (Daryl's son).

The men's team will play in the Brandon Men's Soccer League Division II this year and will play one game every Sunday (except on long weekends) throughout the season, which consists of an eight-game schedule.

A mid-season tournament and year-end playoffs are also scheduled. There is also talk around league circles of a "SuperCup" which would have the champion of the Brandon Latino Soccer League take on the champion of the Division II league. Exhibition games may also take place.

The women's team meanwhile, will once again play in the Westman Women's Senior Soccer League. The regular season consists of 15 games and will include tournaments in Portage and Kenora, Ont. (Neepawa may or may not take part in the tournaments). There will also be a year-end tournament to decide the league champion.

The men's team will begin its season on Sunday in Brandon. The women's team meanwhile, begins its season tonight in Neepawa against the Brandon Cobras.