(Submitted Photo/Prince Albert Youth Soccer Association)

By Jaryn Vecchio

GOOAALLLL!!!

P.A. soccer association hoping for spike in numbers following Canada’s berth at 2022 World Cup

Mar 28, 2022 | 11:00 AM

The Prince Albert Youth Soccer Association is expecting to see a jump in kids wanting to play the world’s most popular sport.

This after Canada’s mens national soccer team clinched a spot at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar after a 4-0 win over Jamaica at BMO Field in Toronto.

This is the second time the men will compete at the world’s biggest tournament, the first time being in 1986.

“In any kind of sport when you have big events and you’re successful in that, of course, the popularity will be getting bigger,” said Dragan Ivkovic, technical director with PAYSA.

Interest in soccer in the community has only been increasing.

GST Holiday

Federal government's two-month GST holiday begins

14h ago

Imminent need

Council set to discuss possible location for homeless shelter on 15th Street

20h ago

International Spotlight

P.A.'s Howe one of 4 Sask. born players named to Canada's World Junior roster

Dec 13, 2024

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic impacting the last two seasons, around 500 kids signed up each year. Now that restrictions are gone, Ivkovic is expecting registration to be around 1,000.

“We’re trying to get back to our normal life.”

He added the women’s national soccer team deserves most of the credit for raising local interest.

They’re the reigning Olympic gold medalists and are currently ranked as one of the top women’s teams in the world.

“We’re recognized as a female soccer country… I’m not saying we’re making it even because obviously the ladies have had much more success but at the end of the road it can be this way,” added Ivkovic.

Meanwhile, kids can still sign up to play soccer this year.

Those interested can register on the PAYSA website or in person between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Those who sign up after March 31 will have to pay a $50 late fee.

—

Jaryn.Vecchio@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow