Technical director Dragan Ivkovic, left, signs his new contract with PAYSA along side president Nnamdi Ndubuka, right. (Submitted photo/Prince Albert Youth Soccer Association)

By Ian Gustafson

Vital to Club

PAYSA extends technical directors contract four years

Apr 5, 2022 | 12:00 PM

Those involved with the Prince Albert Youth Soccer Association (PAYSA) will continue to see a familiar face as Dragan Ivkovic has a new four-year contract with the club.

Ivkovic, who first joined PAYSA five years ago, said he enjoys working in smaller communities like Prince Albert because you can have a big influence in a short period of time.

“Basically, I’m here for five years already and we’ve built the biggest soccer club in the province,” he told paNOW. “I hope to be able to make the best but that’s yet to come.”

He also gave credit to the people he works with including their amazing coaching staff, which he said has been the key.

When asked if the game has grown in Prince Albert and if more children have joined the league over the years, he said COVID-19 impacted it but they’re expecting 1,200 players this upcoming season.

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“I just want to grow the numbers a little bit bigger and to make our competitive teams even better,” he said. “At the same time, I would like to have more coaching staff join, more so the ex-Celtic players.”

Dragan mentioned those interested in playing this season can still register but said registration has already closed for some age groups.

PAYSA president Nnamdi Ndubuka said the board of directors made an excellent decision to extend Ivkovic’s contract and has been a vital part of their success.

“Since Dragan started working with us, we’ve been very fortunate enough to have him as our technical director and part of our mission as an organization has been to promote and foster development for youth soccer both indoors and outdoors, which of course is a benefit to our youth here in the city and surrounding areas,” Ndubuka told paNOW. “Dragan has been very key and passionate about supporting the board in achieving this mission for PAYSA.”

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Ian.Gustafson@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @IanGustafson12