IROQUOIS – Volunteers are putting the final touches on the 2017 summer soccer season as players return to the pitch in Iroquois this weekend with the South Dundas Soccer Association kicking off its regular season.
This season there are over 350 players registered between ages 5 and 18, running in five divisions. Registration has declined in recent years, mostly in the oldest level.
“Older kids have to choose between sports and summer jobs,” said Bryan Holmes – field and equipment manger for the club. “Plus there are more options in the community.”
There are over 65 volunteers this season between coaching, field maintenance and the canteen. Half of the volunteers are students earning their community service hours that are required for graduating secondary school. Money from the canteen is put back into the program for equipment and supplies.
The club has a large support base from community businesses. Tim Hortons returns as season sponsor for the Under-6 and Under-8 divisions with their Tim Bits minor soccer program.
The Under-10, Under-13 and Under-18 divisions are sponsored by businesses in the community. This year, Morrisburg Home Hardware, Morrisburg Building Centre, ProSteam/GUS, Riley’s ValuMart and W.O. Stintson/Iroquois Gas Bar are sponsors.
“We try to have as much local sponsorship as possible, and we buy as much of our supplies as possible from local businesses,” said Holmes. “The community supports soccer and we support the community.”
This season the club offered three registration days, two in March and took part in the South Dundas sports registration day sponsored by the recreation department.
The regular season runs from May 27th to July 22nd, with the annual World Cup of Soccer tournament being held the following weekend, July 28-29th. Regular season is eight games this year, instead of the usual nine, due to Canada Day falling on a Saturday and its being Canada’s sesquicentennial.
Registrations are still accepted in-person: players are asked to come to the soccer shed between Iroquois Public School and Seaway District High School after 7:30 a.m. to register. Forms, schedules and information are available on the club’s website, http://www.southdundassoccer.org.