It was an appropriate launch to BC Soccer’s Phase Two Return to Play plan that brought roughly 100 youngsters to Dugald Morrison Park this week.
South Delta United hosted its popular summer skills camp that usually takes place in early July. However, with the anticipation of looser COVID-19 restrictions coming, the sold out camp was pushed back to late August and provided a glimpse of what to expect in the upcoming fall season.
“I think it was important to show parents and kids that we can get back into playing soccer and we can do it safely,” said Russ Heggie, SDU’s Head of Player Development. “Just little things like how we set up the cones so we can manipulate where kids need to be or having cones where they have to put their bag.
“Logistically it has been a bit challenging but the kids and the parents have adapted. It’s just a matter of being diligent and making sure we all continue to play soccer and not take a step backwards. The social element is huge for these kids. They see some friends and teammates they haven't seen for a while or make new friends as well.”
There had to be plenty of improvising for this year’s camp, including the use of the adjacent Dugald baseball diamond with a maximum of 50 players and coaches allowed on the field at a time. There was only one entrance onto both fields where players passed through a hand sanitizer station. Hand contact with balls and other equipment was also avoided. It will mean a few different rules for the coming season with “kick-ins” replacing throw-ins.
“It’s going to be quick re-starts. Not like corner kicks,” continued Heggie. “We will still promote possession and high percentage passing. One of our challenges for the fall is the turf schedule for our younger levels as we usually have multiple teams out there. Now it will be smaller groups.”
BC Soccer’s Phase 2 plan includes the introduction of “soccer cohorts” which is an identified group of 50 players (or four teams) that will remain together for a specific period of time to play games. That should commence later next month.
“You are going to see us play against our regional partners like Coastal FC (South Surrey) and North Delta. It will be a mini-season then a two-week break before playing a new group of teams,” added Heggie. “Then potential travel to Surrey United and Guildford United too.”
Registration for the fall season remains open. Visit here for more information.
