Oceanside Youth Soccer Society (OYSS) plans to be competitive this coming fall season.
Registration for the fall season is open, but the deadline is coming up and OYSS officials are hoping more players will sign up, especially in the older divisions.
OYSS is looking forward to competing in the Upper Island League this fall. It will field a U12/13 girls, U12/U13 boys, U14/U15 boys and a U18 boys team that will combine with players from Port Alberni.
“If there’s anybody who wants to play, I encourage them to email the club,” said Carlea Williamson, OYSS executive director. “The younger ones we see great turnouts and it’s awesome to see a lot of the kids out here. We’re able to put them in competitive teams, which Oceanside I think has not been able to do for a long, long time.”
Williamson said COVID-19 had an impact on OYSS membership, particularly with players in the U14 and U18 age groups.
“That’s where we’re seeing a huge decline in numbers unfortunately,” said Williamson. “We’re just barely making our older teams and we really need more players to join. We will be playing against other teams from the Island.”
The OYSS is excited to now have a technical director, Aja Choy-Halo, join them. Williamson said Choy-Halo is a big help in honing the kids’ game.
“She is more focused on our competitive league and developing the higher level,” said Williamson, who is one of Kwalikum Secondary School’s former top soccer players. “So getting the kids at a certain level and having the support is great to see. We’ve always been a strong soccer community and we want to see that again.”
OYSS is also short on volunteer coaches and parents.
“We’re struggling to find people to help out in the U7 all the way up,” said Williamson. “We depend on parents stepping up to help coach. Some of the groups we have 70 kids and only two coaches. So we’re really wanting to have parents help out and we’re encouraging them to join the board.”
Williamson said soccer is one of the most affordable sports children can get into. She wants more kids to come out and try it out.
“We know that times are tough for families right now, but we would never turn away any player,” said Williamson. “We will help out any family that is in need as well.”
Anyone wishing to register or join OYSS as a player, coach or volunteer, or for more information can email Williamson at [email protected]
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