The 2021 soccer season in Manitoba will begin this month.

Provincial health officials confirmed new restrictions for the sport on April 27th. The orders now allow for one caregiver (parent or guardian) per youth (U18) to watch a youth sporting activity. The orders do not allow for spectators (parent, guardian, or family members) to attend any soccer activities for senior (18+) soccer.

The 2020 soccer season, which did not start until July because of COVID-19 concerns, was shutdown in late September.

Norm Anderson with the Hanover Soccer Club says he was happy to reach a point this spring where they could offer soccer registration.

"A lot of the kids didn't get playing last year," he says. "And we're now in a position where we are hopeful that the season as we know it will proceed."

Last year as you may recall, Anderson says they waited as long as they could to start the season but eventually were forced to pull the plug because they simply ran out of time for the kids in the Mini program (U4 to U9) and the Youth program (U10 to U18). Those same kids have now been waiting for two years to play.

Anderson says they are always seeking more coaches. But this year in particular, with all of the COVID-19 restrictions in place, the Hanover Soccer Club will need volunteers to ensure players follow the health protocols. This could include making sure there is plenty of sanitizer around or watching that kids do not pick up soccer balls.

In addition to game day volunteers, Anderson says they could also use more board members, especially female board members.

"I would like a bit more diversity on our board," he says.

According to Anderson, the aim of their program is to be as inclusive as possible. And that means affordability is the key. He notes there is not a lot of equipment needed and because they do not pay for staff, their rates are much cheaper than what you get for the same experience in Winnipeg. For example, he notes their competitive youth players might pay $200, compared to the $700 being shelled out if you live in the big city.

Meanwhile, Anderson says there is a concern that fewer kids might play the sport this year.

"There is a concern that a lot of people are still a little bit reserved to come out and start meeting people and playing with people and contact people," he suggests.