Registration for soccer is open

Jeff Helsdon, Editor

Registration for soccer is now open for players of all ages.

Jen Bakker, chair of the operations committee and vice-president of Tillsonburg Minor Soccer, advised parents to register their players now before the prices go up on March 1. Last year there were about 900 youth house league players and 200 in the adult league. In addition, this year there will be a women’s-only adult league. For more information, visit tillsonburgsoccer.ca

Mark Locker, president of the Tillsonburg Football Club, which runs the competitive or rep soccer, said pre-tryouts for the teams took place last fall. Teams have been practicing indoors over the winter. The league had about 250 players last year, with teams for males from eight to 14, females nine to 14, and a men’s premier division. There is also the possibility of teams in older age groups. Locker said there are still opening on teams in some situations. Check the league’s web site at tillsonburgfc.ca for more information.

Although players hitting the field won’t see a difference, there were behind-the-scenes administrative changes at the club since last season. The house league and rep leagues operated separately the past few seasons due to bylaws and insurance requirements from Ontario Soccer, the provincial soccer body. Changes at the provincial level are allowing the two to operate together again.

“Merging the club will allow for growth for players,” Bakker said. “It’s going to allow an easier transition to playing competitive.”

Locker agreed the change will allow simpler moving players from house league to rep, and also allow sharing of coaching resources. He wants what’s best for the player.

“We want the player to play at appropriate levels and what meets their requirements,” he said.

“We are really happy that the house league and competitive soccer programs are working together as one club again,” said TMSC president Frank Deutsch. “With the growth in the town, we are seeing significant growth in Tillsonburg soccer and therefore we are working diligently to ensure soccer programming continues to evolve and improve.”