Parents have approximately two more weeks to register in Nelson Youth Soccer’s Rep League, as the January 31 deadline approaches.
Try-outs will be held between mid-February and the end of April. And even though they can’t take everyone, there are other soccer options for those that don’t make the cut.
“There’s always a place in soccer for a child who doesn’t make the rep team. Through the red shirt program we let kids come out and better their skills in hopes that, if someone can’t make the tournament, we can take them,” said Lua Gerun, co-coordinator of the NYS rep program.
The club is looking for players from U-11 to U-18, and depending on the number of applicants some age categories may be combined.
The U-11 and U-12 levels are considered developmental.
“Every child makes the team at those two ages, for developmental purposes. U-13 through 18 it’s competitive, and they’re able to compete at provincials,” she said.
Players will be required to attend two practices a week, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, for an hour and a half each day.
“U-11 and U-12 always have a commitment to the house league too, so they have a house practice during the week and a house game on Saturday. They travel to the odd jamboree, which is a one or two day tournament where they compete for fun,” she said.
Gerun said one of the goals of NYS is to create athletes for life.
“We want to make sure they’re active for life, not just when they’re young and can reap the benefits of soccer,” she said.
To register, visit nys.ca and follow the links to the registration tab. Then click the rep option.
An additional $30 fee applies to those selected as rep players. Anyone with questions should contact nelsonselects@hotmail.com.