Soccer clubs providing top quality

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This article was published 30/09/2020 (1811 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Local soccer clubs are meeting the requirements to be recognized by Canada Soccer.

On Wednesday, Canada Soccer announced 10 clubs from Manitoba have been deemed Quality Soccer Providers, which means they are a certified organization that provides safe, welcoming and developmentally appropriate training environments for participants.

The clubs announced are:

• Bonivital Soccer Association, 
• Brandon Youth Soccer Association, 
• Neepawa United Soccer Association, 
• Minnedosa Youth Soccer Association, 
• Rivers Youth Soccer Association, 
• South Central Youth Soccer, 
• Southwest United Soccer Association, 
• St. Charles Soccer Association, 
• Westman FC and 
• Winnipeg South End United Soccer Club.

In 2019, the Manitoba Soccer Association started the process of making it a requirement for all certified clubs to become Quality Soccer Providers — which entails 37 specific requirements. The requirements are things such as putting an emphasis on long-term athlete development, programs or partnerships to reduce barriers to participation, making sure coaches are culturally sensitive, and more.

MSA exectuive director Héctor Vergara said it’s all about improving the quality and services that clubs provide to members in Manitoba. He added that 85 per cent of the clubs have complied and checked off Canada Soccer’s requirements.

“It assures the parents and the players that are participating that it’s inclusive, safe, that it’s going to create a fun environment for their children to participate in, and that it’s got quality programming so they can be satisfied that they’re receiving good service from the club and it gives them an opportunity for them to continue to participate in good environments, sanctioned environments and quality programming,” said Vergara.

— staff