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The Prince Albert Youth Soccer Association (PAYSA) said that the start of the outdoor soccer season has been delayed until May 11. (Image Credit: ID 85234615 © Vasilis Ververidis | Dreamstime.com)
Snowy delays

Start of outdoor soccer season put on hold following burst of winter

Apr 24, 2026 | 2:00 PM

Youth soccer players eager to get back on the pitch for another soccer season will have to wait another week-and-a-half. 

The season was originally slated to kick off on May 1 in Prince Albert but with the recent dump of snow, the new opening day for the youth season has been pushed back to May 11, according to P.A. Youth Soccer Association (PAYSA) technical director Dragan Ivkovic. 

“The only groups that will start as planned are U5 and U7. They play inside the Alfred Jenkins Fieldhouse, so the weather doesn’t affect them at all.” 

He added that although it’s obvious as to why they’re delaying the start to the year, he said the city also confirmed that the fields will not be ready in time for the May 1 start date.  

Speaking to participation levels this season, Ivkovic said they have over 1,000 kids registered for outdoor soccer this spring, while the indoor season hit maximum capacity with 904 kids. 

“We have definitely reached the level where we are one of the largest soccer clubs in the province.” 

With the season start pushed back, he continued that there is still time for kids in ages U9 and up to register for the outdoor season. 

“There are very limited spots. Some age groups are full and we cannot accept any more kids, and there’s actually a big wait list. But for the older kids, we still have some room.” 

PAYSA will also be hosting two tournaments later in the summer, including U9 and U11 tournaments that are slated for June 20-21. Provincial soccer hosts and tournament dates will be announced later in the season. 

Additionally, another big tournament will be played later this summer in Canada, the U.S., and Mexico. 

While no games will be played in Prince Albert, the 2026 World Cup will begin play on June 11 while Canada begins their tournament a day later on June 12 against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Looking at the other teams in Group B in Qatar and Switzerland, Ivkovic believes that Canada has a chance at winning the pool. 

“Easiest group ever,” he laughed. “If Canada wants to do something, this is the year to do it. Look at that group and I think if you compare it to any other group, I’m sure everybody will agree.” 

Only two Canadian cities will host World Cup games throughout the tournament, one being Toronto Stadium (BMO Field) and Vancouver Stadium (BC Place).  

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loganc.lehmann@pattisonmedia.com