Photo Karen Graham.
Their bags are packed and they’re ready to go! MLCFC has bags prepared for coaches for each team which includes balls, coaches’ guides, gloves, photo registration documents, and goalie pinnies.
They can see the wave coming, and no matter how much organizers of the Maple Leaf Cavan Football Club prepare, as opening day approaches it is still challenging to meet the growing appetite for soccer in the community.
With registration expected to top 1200 players again this year, already 850 players have signed up for their league in anticipation of the opening of the season on May 22nd.
Despite adding eight new teams in a variety of age divisions, some teams playing out of Crestwood are already full. Youth or House league games are held at Maple Leaf Park, Fleming or Crestwood Secondary School, but to accommodate all of their players the club also uses two fields at the Spiplex Field located at 7939 Highway #7, behind the sports dome.
The club has 128 House league teams for players are born between 2002 and 2014. To ensure younger players do not get discouraged, the club has introduced a 15 minute program at the beginning of each U4 and U6 game led by the coaches who ensure that every player gets time with the ball. During these periods coaches will introduce simple games designed to get every child involved so they become more comfortable with the ball as well as the team setting. While the focus of House League play is on fun, players who want to take their game to another level have access to additional free development programs during the course of the season. If you have not done so already, you can register on line, by mail but the early bird price expires March 31st.
Like any club, MLCFC is always looking for help. They have coach positions to fill, and interested high school students can take on the challenge of coaching a U4 or U6 team to fulfill their community service requirements. Volunteers to help the club with the organization and administration for House League teams are also required, and many teams are still looking for sponsors. To learn more about this dynamic club, visit www.mlcfc.com. Let the season begin! KG
