About seven years ago a mom in Wawota attempted to start up a soccer club, it lasted for a season, but didn't see huge success. The idea of soccer went by the wayside for a year and was then reinvigorated five years ago.
Continually growing each year and with added volunteers soccer has been able to become popular in the community for young players. Though organizers are now worried it might have become too popular as they are considering moving the soccer season to September to avoid some families having to choose between baseball and soccer.
This year the Wawota Soccer Club saw 76 players register, mainly from Wawota there were a few joining out of Kenosee Lake and Maryfield as well.
One of the Wawota Soccer Club contacts, Shawna Cudmore, who has been coaching for the last three years explained that the growth the club has seen has been surprising with it having nearly doubled last year.
Youth then participated in teams of 12u, 10u, 8u, 6u, with enough for two 4u teams.
With the four older teams coming together on Tuesday, June 17, Soccer Night in Wawota was a success as the Wawota Soccer Club hosted the Redvers Soccer Club. Matches began at 6 p.m. and kids ran, kicked, spun, slid, and celebrated as they played a game they love.
Soccer Night in Wawota was a typical soccer night in the sense that they play regular weekly games with either Oxbow or Redvers. Whether hosting or travelling Wawota takes each of the four older teams the same night to allow youth to participate in games, which allows people to carpool as needed.
"Every age group played in each town at the same time," Cudmore explained. "All would go to Redvers on the same night, it was handy, we'd have four games all in the same town and they'd all play at 6 p.m."
The difference, however, came with the addition of a yearend barbeque put on by the Wawota Soccer Club as both a wind up for the season and a fundraiser.
The Wawota Soccer Club is currently raising money to purchase soccer nets as they currently use small pylons to signify the goal line.
"The final night we decided to put something together, have a supper and show how big this has gotten," Cudmore said. "We need to raise money for our nets and our club in general, while bringing more kids into it."
Overall the year went very well for the club according to Cudmore who was very happy with how it turned out.
"I think it went over great, there were a lot of games this year, and the kids love games," Cudmore said. "There were more teams to play against and the enthusiasm from the kids was great."
Though the weather was difficult in the beginning of May the club had support from the community and were welcomed into the rink to practice until the weather began cooperating. From the rink they then went to the school to practice and host games, which the club was very happy have.
"We've been really happy with everyone's support," Cudmore stated.