Soccer moms and dads with kids in U16 and U18 teams -both boys and girls- may want to be prepared for an opportunity that could offer not only a college scholarship, but possibly a soccer career for their children, an opportunity coming to town at the end of May.
Lonny Behm, who coached Ponoka men’s soccer squad last year, has announced that his organization, called “Crazy 8 Sports”, would bring a “college showcase” to Ponoka in two months’ time, the first and only event of its kind in western Canada, to be hosted by Ponoka Minor Soccer Association (PMSA).
The announcement of the event came during the annual general meeting of the PMSA held at the Legion on Tuesday evening, Feb. 23.
Speaking in an interview, Behm said up to a dozen, maybe more, college level soccer coaches from all over western Canada and one from the US would descend on Ponoka for the event to scout out promising players who might be offered scholarships for post secondary education programs.
Behm said the players would be registered for a fee –discounts would be available for Ponoka kids - and they would then be organized in teams to play for the scouting coaches during the weekend of May 27-29.
“Through the word of mouth and social media, I have already more than 65 players registered from all over western Canada,” said Behm. “There is a waiting list, if there is enough demand, there will be more teams included in the event.”
“This is the first of its kind in western Canada,” added Behm, stating that he would like to make it an annual event. “There is a much bigger event in Ontario, but it is team-based.”
He said the weekend would bring in good business to the town as well. “I am thinking this will bring about 300 people to town.”
The event has already attracted the attention of some businesses: Quebec-based soccer equipment supplier CAMPEA, Red Deer’s Synik have signed up as sponsors as have two Ponoka businesses, Dittmar Stone & Tile as well as Capitol Theatre.
“Crazy 8 Sports will be giving away $250 ‘funding’ towards the education of a boy and a girl during our showcase,” added Behm.
PMSA AGM
At the AGM, where registrations for the minor soccer season started, PMSA President Rob McArthur said Ponoka was the “envy of central Alberta” for its involvement with the sport.
“Last year we had 292 players and 13 officials involved in soccer,” he told the parents filling the Legion auditorium for the AGM.
All PMSA executive were reinstated by acclamation with McArthur as president, Lonny Behm vice-president, Michelle Blanchet secretary and Amanda Henderson Kada treasurer.
Registration for minor soccer will continue until March 31 and any applications for registration after that date will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.