It is difficult to tell by the weather, but soccer season is only a few weeks away.
Creston Valley Youth Soccer is now taking registrations for its sixth season. For the second year in a row we have partnered with local sports store, Nadan Nessie Gear (129 10th Ave N.), to have a convenient storefront for player registrations and to buy equipment. Nadan Nessie Gear stocks soccer cleats, shin pads, socks, as well as jackets and pants for the rep teams.
Soccer, the world’s most popular sport, is also the most popular participation sport in Creston. Last year, over 220 youth players were registered. There are house leagues for U-6 (players born 2005 or 2006) up to U-12 (players born 1999 or 2000) and rep teams — the Creston Blitzz — for U-12 to U-18 (players born 1994).
House teams play small-sided soccer as per BC Soccer recommendations. Fewer players per side on a smaller field means more touches on the ball, more skill development and more fun. Adding to the fun, Creston Valley Youth Soccer is very excited to announce a new partnership with Creston’s Tim Hortons for U-6 to U-10 age groups. Watch for details!
The Creston Blitzz are representative teams. They compete in tournaments throughout the Kootenays, including the Blitzz tournament on May 27, 28 and 29. Last year, the U-16 boys team won the Kootenay championship and competed in provincials. This same team is traveling to Manchester, England, next week for an intensive weeklong training session in the birthplace of “football”. The team will participate in four training sessions, play two friendly games against English teams, and take in a professional soccer match. This is an amazing opportunity for these lads and a great move forward for local soccer development.
For more information about Creston Valley Youth Soccer, visit www.crestonvalleysoccer.com. Registration runs from March 7-31. Players of all ages will be on the field in mid-April.