-Submitted by KYSA
KAMLOOPS, BC – The Kamloops Youth Soccer Association (KYSA), along with title sponsor––the Fresh Is Best Salsa Company, is staging the Annual Errol Wild Memorial Active Start Mini-Soccer Festival this coming weekend, June 4 and 5, on soccer pitches throughout Kamloops.
One-hundred-sixty-eight boys and girls teams from U5 to U12 will take part in this non-competitive event. Each team will play three or four games over the weekend.
Errol Wild was one of Kamloops most dedicated volunteers through most of his adult life. It can be said that his commitment to all levels of soccer in the city was unparalleled. He was an administrator, a manager and a coach. He was also a mentor to many up-and-coming young players. He served in just about every role there is in soccer––including a spell on the KYSA board of directors. He died in 2009 at the age of 49.
Not long after his passing the KYSA board of directors chose to attach his name to its annual mini-soccer festival.
“No scores are recorded and no standings are kept,” says KYSA President, Graham Cope. “The emphasis is placed on participation and having a lot of fun playing our great game. In not having trophies and medals as an objective, there should not be any stress placed on the shoulders of these young children and the coaches who work with them. I think Errol would have appreciated that the Festival is run on this basis!”
This will be the first year the Festival has a sponsor––the Fresh Is Best Salsa Company will be playing an active part in the event as well as providing financial support. Canada Soccer, as a major proponent of small-sided soccer in the U5 to U12 age groups through it’s “Active Start” program, also affords the KYSA significant support for the Festival.
Fresh Is Best owners Lisa and Colin McGaffin say that, “Fresh Is Best is extremely proud to be a part of this Festival honouring such a great contributor to the Kamloops soccer community!”
Games get underway at 9:00am Saturday and run through the early evening. Similarly, on Sunday, matches kick off at 9:00am and run throughout the day. The centre-piece of the event will be Dallas Park where 11 mini-soccer fields will be in use. Games are also scheduled at McArthur Island, Brocklehurst Park, Parkcrest Park, McGowan Park, Westsyde Centennial, Pacific Way Elementary, Juniper, Westsyde Neighbourhood Centre, Pineridge and Todd Hill parks.