A view of one of the two new soccer fields built behind the Alfred Jenkins Field House in Prince Albert. (Ian Gustafson/paNOW Staff)

By Ian Gustafson

Season Arrives

PAYSA begin practices on new soccer fields

May 3, 2021 | 5:48 PM

The new fields behind the Alfred Jenkins Field House are now open for practices only for the outdoor soccer season in Prince Albert.

Technical director of the Prince Albert Youth Soccer Association (PAYSA) Dragan Ivkovic told paNOW PAYSA and the City of P.A. formed a partnership to build two new soccer fields. Both fields will be utilized, but one is dedicated to being used by the Provincial Soccer League only.

“It’s very exciting times,” Ivkovic said.

The fields were built last year and were finished in January, he said, which cost $700,000. The City of P.A. paid half of the costs.

The youth teams in PAYSA will be utilizing the new field starting Monday and Wednesday where the U9 girls and boys will practice and on Tuesday and Thursday, the U7 boys and girls will be on the field.

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PAYSA welcomes back players ahead of the new soccer season in Prince Albert. (Ian Gustafson/paNOW Staff)

The current public health restrictions have been extended to May 10 and, according to the PAYSA website, no games have been permitted by the government. They’re looking for government approval to start playing matches because last season they were unable to practice or play games.

They will start their spring season May 3 for age groups U5-11. The older groups starting dates will be delayed.

“After having so many people vaccinating I think it’s time for this government to finally give us permission to start the games,” he said. “I see no reason for the kids to stop playing, not only soccer [but] any sport in the province.”

Masks are not required for youth players or spectators but PAYSA does recommend it. For the teams who practice indoors, masks are required.

All the soccer programs, he said, will be going as directed by the Saskatchewan Health Authority. Each practice can only have a group of eight on the field at one time and the coaches must always wear a mask.

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Ian.gustafson@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @iangustafson12